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.
JOIN US! 
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.
Learn More 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 1, April 2024
In the spotlight: Writing Instruction – From Transcription through to Critical Thinking. What works?
This issue of the Bulletin on Writing follows our recent "Think it, Say it, Write it: The Fundamentals of…
This issue of the Bulletin on Writing follows our recent "Think it, Say it, Write it: The Fundamentals of Written Expression" course. The issue covers topics around writing, including ideas presented in the books "The Not So Simple View…
This issue of the Bulletin on Writing follows our recent "Think it, Say it, Write it: The Fundamentals of Written Expression" course. The issue covers topics around writing, including ideas presented in the books "The Not So Simple View of Writing" (Berninger et all, 2022) and "The Writing Rope" (Sedita, 2019).
Download Preview
Would you like access to the full publication? Become a member
Events
Preventing Early Maths Difficulties: Screening that Counts!
Gaps in mathematics achievement are evident early and persist. Following in the footsteps of recent advances in reading science,…
Gaps in mathematics achievement are evident early and persist. Following in the footsteps of recent advances in reading science, efforts are now underway to ensure that early years teachers have the knowledge and tools to identify students who are…
Gaps in mathematics achievement are evident early and persist. Following in the footsteps of recent advances in reading science, efforts are now underway to ensure that early years teachers have the knowledge and tools to identify students who are likely to go on to struggle with mathematics. This session will review the most recent research on the knowledge and skills most predictive of mathematics difficulties, how they are best measured, and the implications for schools and teachers.**This webinar will be recorded and available for two weeks after the event**Date: Monday 29th July 2024Time: 7:30 pm – 8:30 pm AEST (Melbourne Time)Cost:LDA Member: $30LDA Student Member – $15Non-Member – $50About Kelly NorrisKelly has worked as a classroom teacher, educational consultant, product developer and lecturer in the areas of mathematics, reading and inclusive education, with a particular focus on students experiencing learning challenges. She currently works for the Centre for Independent Studies leading a project on early screening for mathematics difficulties.
Maths Matters: Best Practice in Numeracy Teaching
Join us for our maths course which will feature a range of presenters such as Steve Chinn, Sarah Powell…
Join us for our maths course which will feature a range of presenters such as Steve Chinn, Sarah Powell and Liana McCurry over three sessions on the following dates:Session 1: Monday 5th August 2024, 6 pm – 9…
Join us for our maths course which will feature a range of presenters such as Steve Chinn, Sarah Powell and Liana McCurry over three sessions on the following dates:Session 1: Monday 5th August 2024, 6 pm – 9 pm AEST (Melbourne Time)Session 2: Monday 19th August 2024, 6 pm – 9 pm AEST (Melbourne Time)Session 3: Saturday 31st August 2024, 9:30 – 12:30 AEST (Melbourne Time)**This webinar will be recorded and available for one month after the event**Cost:LDA Member: $300LDA Student Member – $245Non-Member – $390SpeakersOur presenters include:Dr Steve ChinnLiana McCurryReid SmithBrydon O'Neill GuySarah PowellDr Ange RogersCourse Schedule
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.
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.
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.
Find out more
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.
Find out more
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.
Find out more
Numeracy
Numeracy is a concept that is referred to as the ability to make use of mathematical concepts adeptly in our daily lives.
Find out more