The NSW Department of Education provides a suite of online professional development courses licensed through Online Training Australia for teachers in NSW public schools.
The seven courses are all registered against the Australian National Teaching Standards and provide either 20 or 40 hours of accredited learning for teachers. The department uses a blended model with sessions with a trained tutor in groups of up to twelve participants alongside individual online study time.
Courses available through the Department:
- Understanding personalised learning and support
- Understanding autism spectrum disorder
- Understanding and supporting behaviour
- Understanding motor co-ordination difficulties
- Inclusion for learners with speech, language and communication needs
- Understanding dyslexia and significant reading difficulties
- Understanding hearing loss
Understanding dyslexia and significant reading difficulties
Students who experience dyslexia or other significant difficulties in learning to read may struggle across all the key learning areas. An understanding of how these difficulties can impact on student learning and educational outcomes is important for all teachers.
The course provides participants with an understanding of:
- the causes, incidence and main characteristics of dyslexia
- some of the issues surrounding dyslexia and significant difficulties in reading
- how to carry out an individual reading assessment and monitor student progress
- the importance of a whole school approach to teaching reading and providing additional support
- a range of practical strategies to teach crucial aspects of reading
- how to individualise the class reading program
- how to support learning across the curriculum and use assistive technology effectively.
Teachers who work for the Department of Education can check on MyPL for courses in their local area and can enquire through their principal and local education services team. Or for further information email disabiliylearning@det.nsw.edu.au
Teachers from other sectors should contact their line manager to check if the courses are available to them through their association or diocese.
For further information about the full range of courses visit the homepage at Online Training Australia
View department information at: Disability, Learning and Support - Professional Learning