Learning Enrichment Centre News

Assessment Week has been a BIG week. We have seen tears, happiness, anger, joy, frustration, success, laughter, and many other emotions.  Emotions are a way of communicating our feelings and helping us to manage trials and difficult experiences.

When we feel that we can’t get through the day, or are overwhelmed by multiple assessments, we must remember where our help comes from. Our help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He did all that and still, He reminds us in His word that we can do all things if we rely on Christ who gives us strength! (Philippians 4:13)

I think about many students who have daily struggles with learning. Some students who have Specific Learning Disorders battle daily in class and life. They must remember that they don’t have to do things alone.

What are Specific Learning Disorders?

Specific Learning Disorders are not intellectual disabilities and these students do not have a reduced cognitive capacity. Students with a specific learning disorder have significant difficulty in one or more academic areas while coping well, or even excelling, in other areas of academic, sporting, or artistic achievement.   In other parts of the world, Specific Learning Disorders are also called Learning Disabilities or Learning Differences.

Under Commonwealth and State Law in Australia, a Specific Learning Disorder is generally recognised as resulting in the child “learning differently”. If it is apparent that this difference is interfering with a person’s capacity to access the curriculum or demonstrate their skills and knowledge, an individually targeted intervention should be provided. This includes both adjustments and using appropriate teaching strategies.

The Different Types of Specific Learning Disorders

Specific Learning Disorders may occur in almost any area of learning. The common theme is unexpected under-achievement in an area of academic skill which is generally unmatched in other areas.

The nature of all Specific Learning Disorders is that the problem is severe, persistent, occurs despite appropriate educational opportunities, and contrasts with other areas of strength in academic achievement or cognitive development. The most common Specific Learning Disorder is Dyslexia, which is a persistent difficulty around reading and spelling.

On a side note:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder in reading.

Dysgraphia is a specific learning disorder in writing.

To find out more about the wonderful neurodiversity and gift of Dyslexia, watch this inspiring YouTube video, made by a raft of highly successful, well-known achievers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gtFKNPrJhJ4&ab_channel=MadeByDyslexia

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFExDAggmQY

Mrs Chantal McAllister, Head of Learning Enrichment P-12