Conference Archive Papers 2023 and 2022
2023 Theme: Collaboration and Communication
Wednesday 7th June 2023 Julia Carroll and Maggie Snowling
The Dyslexia Delphi Study – building consensus for a new definition and identification criteria for dyslexia
In January 2021 SASC initiated a wide-ranging consultation process to consider issues concerning the assessment and identification of dyslexia. A consultation paper was written and, in autumn 2022, further discussions took place with academics and practitioners. SASC aims to produce a final paper, in three parts, Theory, Policy, Practice, with a particular emphasis on a definition and identification criteria for dyslexia.
This paper takes into account the outcomes of a newly initiated Delphi consensus study which aims to reach consensus around a definition and identification criteria for dyslexia. This study is led by Professor Maggie Snowling (Oxford University), Professor Julia Carroll (Coventry University), Paul Thompson (Warwick University) and Lynn Greenwold and Caroline Holden (SASC).
In this talk, Professors Julia Carroll and Maggie Snowling explained how a Delphi study is conducted and how such studies can contribute to consensus building, better public understanding and better collaboration between professional groups, stakeholders and other key organisations. The methodology and structure of the dyslexia Delphi study is explained and interim findings described.
Presentation handout: The Dyslexia Delphi Study
Wednesday 7th June 2023 Joel Talcott
A new early universal screener?
With introduction from Caroline Holden
This talk discussed a proposed framework for the expansion of existing KS1 phonics screening, to include early assessment of children's development in four cognitive competencies known to be vital to children's successful engagement with the breadth of the primary curriculum: vocabulary, sustained attention, working memory, and phonics. The framework for a new national scheme for universal light-touch screening of these competencies in KS1 is presented. The objective is to improve educational achievement at the whole-school level through adoption of a more complete early warning system for a range of common learning difficulties that act as barriers to educational achievement.
This universal screener was presented to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Dyslexia in May 2023. On 15 May further discussions took place where Joel Talcott and SASC presented further considerations. You can access the APPG meeting minutes and presentations at the APPG Meeting Archive.
Handout: presentation Universal Screening; APPG Policy Screener Paper
Thursday 8th June 2023 Philip Kirby
Dyslexia. A History.
Philip Kirby, a lecturer in history and social justice at King's College London, presented a fascinating account, taken from his recently published book with Maggie Snowling ‘Dyslexia. A History' of key moments and people in the history of research, assessment and policy-making concerning dyslexia.
Handout: History of Dyslexia
Thursday 8th June 2023
SASC AGM Papers:
Friday 9th June 2023 Rachel Simpson
Why is test standardisation important?
Rachel Simpson, Chair of STEC, discussed the process of test review carried out by members of the STEC committee before a new test is added to the recommended lists. Methods of test standardisation and test psychometrics were discussed and challenges arising from new methods of test construction and standardisation highlighted. Rachel showed how a deeper understanding of test standardisation aids assessment practice and supports assessment conclusions.
Handout: Why is Standardisation Important?
Friday 9th June 2023 Lynn Greenwold
Launching the new SASC website...communicating more effectively
SASC is a not-for-profit organisation which, over the past two years, has spent a considerable portion of its income on a complete update of its website. The SASC website is a key resource for practising assessors. The purpose of the re-vamp is to eliminate some of the accessibility issues of the original website and transform it into a better key resource in the field of assessing for specific learning difficulties.
Lynn introduced the features and content of the new SASC website and explained how to make full use of its resources.
Handout: New SASC Website Overview
Please note:
- Conference events are free of charge to all SASC members.
- Sessions are recorded and made available to those unable to attend at the original broadcast time.
- All who booked will have access to recordings of the sessions for 3 weeks after the events.
SASC has a policy to support development of additional quality CPD from other providers and does not give authorised credit hours for its own conference and presentations. So please note that SASC Conference sessions do not count as SASC approved CPD. They can count as supplementary CPD.
SASC Conference Papers 2022
Our 2022 Annual Conference was held online from Wednesday 8th June to Friday 10th June 2022. Papers are available to download from the following presentations.
Presenters
Joel Talcott, Professor of Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience, Aston Brain Centre, Aston University
Dyslexia: a research update June 2022
Caroline Holden, SASC Board Member and Chair of SASC's Dyslexia Working Group
Practitioners respond: views from the third consultation phase of the SASC paper on literacy and dyslexia June 2022
Consultation Survey Results 2022
Dr Sue Sheppard, Specialist Educational Psychologist, Real Psychology, Real Group.
The assessment and identification of autism/autism spectrum conditions- SASC Guidance. (published May 2022)
Dr Margaret Crombie, Specialist teacher-assessor, member of the Cross Party Group of the Scottish Parliament on Dyslexia, honorary life member of Dyslexia Scotland.
Carol Graham, Principal Teacher of Additional Support Needs in a military boarding school in Scotland.
Dyslexia: the Scottish experience June 2022
Jo Ward, District Senior Educational Psychologist Staffordshire County Council
Sarah Crawford, Specialist Senior Educational Psychologist Warwickshire County Council.
Literacy for All: An Introduction to the Assessment Through Teaching framework in Staffordshire and Warwickshire June 2022
Literacy Guidance - Warwickshire
Literacy Guidance - Staffordshire
Janet Goring, Member of STEC, and Manager of the Literacy & Numeracy Support Service to primary and secondary schools in the London Borough of Wandsworth. Specialist assessment and intervention services in the London Borough of Wandsworth. June 2022
Professor Brian Lamb, Visiting Professor of Special Educational Needs and Disability, Derby University.
The Implications of the SEND Green Paper and Education White Paper for assessment, intervention, support and parental engagement for children with dyslexia and specific learning difficulties. June 2022