#United States #Atlanta #Rollins Center #Dyslexia Training #Cox Campus

Expanding Dyslexia Training for Educators

In a pivotal move for literacy education, the Rollins Center for Language and Literacy has announced a partnership with the University of California and California State University. This collaboration, championed by Dr. Maryanne Wolf and Dr. Laura Rhinehart, aims to expand professional development courses centered on dyslexia, providing educators with the vital resources needed to support children facing literacy challenges.

The Need for Enhanced Literacy Education

With only one-third of students showing proficiency in reading by the end of third grade, there is a pressing need for systemic improvements in literacy instruction across the United States. The new coursework will be made accessible for free through Cox Campus, the Rollins Center’s professional development platform, which has been instrumental since its launch in 2014. Currently, Cox Campus serves over 367,000 educators across 50 states and 130 countries, offering evidence-based learning at no cost.

The importance of this initiative coincides with recent legislative efforts across various states focusing on enhancing reading proficiency among young learners. Landmark legislation, such as Georgia’s Senate Bill 48, mandates dyslexia screening for kindergarteners and first through third graders showing signs of reading difficulties. This proactive approach aims to foster early identification and intervention, ensuring students with dyslexia receive the support they need from educational professionals.

Expert Guidance from Leaders in Literacy

The new dyslexia courses, co-authored by Dr. Wolf, a renowned expert in cognitive neuroscience and literacy, in partnership with Dr. Rhinehart, will provide educators with crucial knowledge and strategies for teaching students with dyslexia. Their work, along with contributions from researchers across UC and CSU systems, reflects a comprehensive understanding of diverse learner needs, ensuring built-in inclusivity in instructional techniques.

By making these resources available through Cox Campus, which is the only free platform accredited by the International Dyslexia Association, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and practical application in classrooms. The overarching goal is to transform reading instruction and positively impact the lives of countless children facing challenges with literacy.

Training, Tools, and Future Impact

The Georgia Department of Education has recently approved specific tools for dyslexia screening, marking another step towards comprehensive literacy support for students. The availability of free resources combined with structured literacy training on Cox Campus positions educators in Georgia—and beyond—to enhance their capabilities in teaching all students, particularly those with learning differences.

As educators engage with the new coursework on dyslexia, the Rollins Center emphasizes the importance of community and collaboration in this endeavor. By joining a network that spans across states and countries, educators not only share resources but also harmonize their efforts to improve literacy outcomes for every child.

To access free dyslexia training, educators can visit coxcampus.org. This initiative represents a crucial step in the ongoing mission to elevate literacy education and provide equitable opportunities for all students to thrive in their academic journeys.