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Welcome to Learning Difficulties Australia

Learning Difficulties Australia is an association of teachers and other professionals dedicated to assisting students with learning difficulties through effective teaching practices based on scientific research, both in the classroom and through individualised instruction.
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The Science of Effective Reading Instruction: Theory and Practice

Perth | Saturday 31 July 2021   Not sure how a comprehensive reading approach taught explicitly looks like? Join Associate Professor Lorraine Hammond, Jared Bussell, Jordan O’Sullivan and Brooke Wardana for a day that focuses on both the Science of Reading and how to teach it.
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Join a community of professionals committed to effective teaching.

By becoming a member of LDA, you will have an opportunity to meet fellow teachers, speech-language pathologists, psychologists, researchers and other professionals working in the field of education who have a passion for improving student outcomes through effective instruction based on scientific research.

Members receive regular LDA publications via post, including the LDA Bulletin and the Australian Journal of Learning Difficulties as well as member discounts for participation in workshops, seminars and conferences.

You will also have access to the ‘Members Only’ areas of our website where you can obtain past issues of our publications as well as conference and seminar notes.

Latest Publication

Bulletin | Volume 56 | No 2, August 2024

Examples of evidence-based practice in oral language, writing, early childhood mathematics, MTSS and more
This edition includes 13 fantastic articles written by classroom teachers, school leaders, researchers and speech pathologists. A wide range…
This edition includes 13 fantastic articles written by classroom teachers, school leaders, researchers and speech pathologists. A wide range of topics are covered from writing assessment and intervention, to read-alouds and oral language, mathematics in the early years, supporting…
This edition includes 13 fantastic articles written by classroom teachers, school leaders, researchers and speech pathologists. A wide range of topics are covered from writing assessment and intervention, to read-alouds and oral language, mathematics in the early years, supporting ADHD in the classroom, and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for literacy. There is sure to be something for all of our readers!
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Events

Building Resilient Classrooms: Mental Health and Student Engagement

Tickets to this event can still be purchased until Monday 13th January 5pm as the recordings are available until…
Tickets to this event can still be purchased until Monday 13th January 5pm as the recordings are available until Wednesday 15th January 9am. This conference will cover topics such as literacy and mental health and effective classroom management to…
Tickets to this event can still be purchased until Monday 13th January 5pm as the recordings are available until Wednesday 15th January 9am. This conference will cover topics such as literacy and mental health and effective classroom management to ensure student engagement.Date and TimeThursday 14th November 9:30 am to 3 pm AEDT (Melbourne Time) – Live EventRecordings are available to view until Wednesday 15th January 9am.CostLDA Member: $160LDA Student Member – $125Non-Member – $180PresentationsUsing tiered supports to improve school attendance – Dr Lisa Mc-Kay BrownSchool attendance has been identified as a national concern since the return to school after Covid-19. A comprehensive and integrated approach is required to address the factors underlying non-attendance. This presentation will discuss a multi-tiered approach to school attendance with relevant examples for implementation within schools.Supporting mental health in the context of language and literacy difficulties – Prof Mark Boyes & Dr Elizabeth HillChildren who struggle with language and literacy are at elevated risk of mental health difficulties, yet why this is the case is unclear and current psychological therapies are generally not accessible for this population. Prof Mark Boyes and Dr Elizabeth Hill will provide an overview of the research from Curtin University's 'Language and Literacy in Young People' research group (www.lalyp.com). They will present work investigating risk and protective factors associated with mental health in the context of language and literacy difficulties. They will also discuss ongoing projects aiming to develop accessible interventions and build the capacity of mental health professionals to support mental health needs of these children. Along with other members of 'Language and Literacy in Young People', they are keen to explore opportunities for future collaboration.Creating engaged classrooms through effective classroom management – Cate WhitingThe Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) is developing practical guidance for teachers and school leaders to create safe and supportive learning environments through effective classroom management. Explore the evidence base and how the resources support teachers to refine their practice and support school leaders to lead a whole school approach to classroom management. Plans for further resources to be released next year will also be shared, including guidance on supporting students with additional learning needs.Opportunities to Respond (OTRs) and the Instructional Hierarchy (IH) to support student engagement and learningIn this presentation, Karina will discuss the research and logic behind Opportunities to Respond (OTR) and the Instructional Hierarchy (IH). Practical information will be shared on how teachers can increase the rate, and vary the type, of OTR in their classroom. Links will be made between the implementation of high rates of OTR with appropriate behaviour specific praise and effective error correction procedures to support both engagement and learning, in line with understandings from the Instructional Hierarchy.SpeakersDr Lisa McKay BrownAssociate Professor Lisa McKay-Brown is the Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Melbourne’s Faculty of Education. With over 25 years in teaching and leadership, she specialises in the inclusion of students with disability. Recognised internationally for her research on school attendance, she serves on the Executive Board of the International Network for School Attendance. Lisa leads the Faculty of Education Disability Research Collaboration, focusing on projects like In2School and Pathways2Participation, and engages in international inclusive education initiatives in India and Latin America. Her work addresses the marginalisation of students with mental health disorders and other disabilities.Prof Mark Boyes & Dr Elizabeth (Lizz) HillProf Mark Boyes is a Professor in the School of Population Health at Curtin University, Co-Lead of the Mental Health Research Domain within the Curtin enAble Institute, and an NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow. He co-leads Curtin University's 'Language and Literacy in Young People' research group (www.lalyp.com). Dr Elizabeth (Lizz) Hill is a speech pathologist and teaching/research academic at Curtin University. Lizz completed her PhD in September 2020, for which she explored language skills of adolescents with acquired brain injury and links with social and emotional wellbeing. Currently, Lizz’s research explores the intersection of mental health and language, with a particular focus on accessible mental health services for people with language and literacy difficulties. She is passionate about working in collaboration with people with lived experience of language and communication challenges, and their supporters, to co-develop solutions to support social and emotional wellbeing. Lizz has published 15 peer-reviewed journal articles and is a co-or lead investigator on over $1.8 million in research funding.Cate WhitingCate Whiting is an experienced school leader and has led school improvement by applying evidence-based practices in student engagement and behaviour, pedagogy, literacy and multi-tiered systems of support. Cate is currently the Principal Teaching and Learning Specialist leading the Engaged Classrooms Through Effective Classroom Management project at AERO.Karina StockerKarina is an experienced classroom teacher, school leader, and consultant. She is currently working as an instructional coach and head of behaviour support at Docklands Primary School. Karina is passionate about the use of evidence-based literacy instruction and evidence-based behaviour support practices in Australian schools. She has a particular interest in implementing Multi- Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to ensure equitable access to effective instruction and intervention in both literacy and behaviour, so all students can succeed. Karina is currently a PhD candidate at Monash University, researching the implementation of learning sciences within an MTSS framework to support improved reading outcomes in Australian schools.
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AI For Educators: Simplify, Create, and Engage with the Power of AI

This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation….
This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation. After a brief overview of what AI is and how it's being used in teaching, we’ll dive into actionable ways…
This presentation will provide participants with a practical introduction to AI, focusing on both text-based tools and image generation. After a brief overview of what AI is and how it's being used in teaching, we’ll dive into actionable ways the audience can utilise AI to in their day-to-day work, followed by creative applications of AI-generated imagery to enhance engagement with visual content. By the end, attendees will leave with a solid understanding of AI tools and practical strategies they can implement immediately to improve efficiency and creativity in their work.** This webinar will be recorded and available for two weeks after the event**Date: Tuesday 25th February 2025Time: 12 pm – 1:30 pm AEST (Melbourne Time)Cost:LDA Member: $40LDA Student Member: $30Non-Member: $60About Chantelle ElbadaouiChantelle is the Founder of Attain Education, specialising in online tutoring for primary-aged children. She is an experienced teacher and mentor with 14 years of experience in primary education across Australia and UK. She has previously presented on how modern teaching benefits from technology, including AI. She has also appeared as a guest on Podcasts such as Classroom to Tutor and Alpha Bites.
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LDA Blog

2024 AGM – Save the Date!

***Please note the date change.***This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will…
***Please note the date change.***This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will be held via zoom at 1:30pm on Saturday 19th October 2024. An email with details on how to register your…
***Please note the date change.***This year's Annual General Meeting is open to all Standard and Consultant Members and will be held via zoom at 1:30pm on Saturday 19th October 2024. An email with details on how to register your attendance will be sent out to eligible members soon.
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Insurance Info for Private Practitioners

It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business…
It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business from the home might not be aware of their disclosure obligations and coverage with regards to their home building and…
It has been brought to our attention by a consultant member that LDA consultants and members operating a business from the home might not be aware of their disclosure obligations and coverage with regards to their home building and contents insurance. We strongly encourage you to make your own enquiries of your broker or insurance provider. Please see additional information here.
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Effective Instruction

Teachers are a major force for improving society. To be successful, the teaching profession must base its instructional practices on the results of good quality empirical research, and this involves keeping abreast of scientific developments. One of LDA’s main goals is to keep bridging the gaps between evolving scientific knowledge and members of the teaching profession, including educational policy makers, teacher education faculties, and teachers at the chalkface. Visit the skill areas below to learn about initiatives, approaches and programs that are being used effectively in each area.

Reading
Reading is a complex skill and it is a relatively recent invention, as far as human timelines go. Unlike speaking and listening, humans aren’t predisposed to develop reading skills naturally.
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Spelling
Reading and spelling are closely linked, but also draw on different skills and processes. At the most basic level, spelling is a production task while reading is one of recognition.
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Writing
As with reading, writing is not a natural skill and therefore must be taught. Unfortunately, many teachers do not feel well prepared to teach writing.
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Numeracy
Numeracy is a concept that is referred to as the ability to make use of mathematical concepts adeptly in our daily lives.
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