News & Updates
askatoon Public Schools has a strategic plan that prioritizes academic excellence, evidence-based practice, equity, and anti-racist, anti-oppressive principles. With a focus on developing literacy leaders and fostering instructional leadership, the district ensures that teachers possess the necessary skills and capacity to drive forward their educational mission.
The Cowichan Valley School District, comprised of 20 elementary, middle, and secondary schools on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, has been actively implementing evidence-based reading instruction despite it not being a provincial requirement. Their commitment to inclusive education has garnered them the 2024 Dyslexia Canada Educational Excellence Award.
Melanie Brethour, the founder of the Quebec chapter of Decoding Dyslexia and a teacher in the Riverside School Board on the south shore of Montreal, is entering her 20th year of teaching. However, her understanding of dyslexia was limited until her son entered kindergarten and began experiencing difficulties. It wasn't until he was nine years old that he received a diagnosis, which motivated her to join the fight against dyslexia.
School Psychologist Lauren Clare Duggan was nominated for this award by Dr. Jamie Metsala, a registered clinical psychologist and advocate for evidence-based reading instruction and intervention, not only in Nova Scotia but across Canada. Dr. Metsala has helped Duggan implement these practices in her school board.
Recognized as a model for other school divisions and educators across Manitoba and Canada, the Evergreen School Division team’s dedication to raising awareness through professional development, supporting teachers in implementing evidence-based practices, and providing impactful interventions has set a commendable standard.
Located in the northern Quebec community of Nunavik, The Read and Talk Professional Learning Community champions the dissemination of Language Patterns, a systematic, science-based program emphasizing phonemic awareness and word-level reading skills, as well as comprehension and verbal reasoning. Read more about this dedicated group and then listen to the podcast.
We applaud the Government of British Columbia for prioritizing the well-being and success of all students by committing to early universal screening," said Smith. "This initiative aligns with Dyslexia Canada's mission to ensure that every child with dyslexia in Canada receives a fair and equitable education. We look forward to collaborating with the government and other partners to support the successful implementation of this crucial program.
Dyslexia Canada is excited to announce that we will be working in partnership with IDA Ontario to provide teachers with training and resources to support the implementation of the new Ontario Language Curriculum. We are hiring a team of Ontario-based educators to work part-time on this project. If you are interested in joining our team, please see the job listing below for more details and submit your application before July 15th.
In the bustling classrooms of Ontario, Canada, resides an extraordinary nine-year-old boy named Jace. Jace recently achieved a remarkable feat by winning his class's speech competition with a powerful discourse on dyslexia. Little did he know that this would mark the beginning of an inspiring journey, where his resilience and determination would propel him to subsequent victories. Jace's tale serves as a beacon of hope, showcasing the incredible potential that lies within those with dyslexia.
“What do Albert Einstein, Stephen Hawkings, Bill Gates, Walt Disney, Thomas Edison, Steve Jobs, and me, Jace, all have in common? We are all dyslexic,” proudly proclaims Jace. From an early age, Jace's parents noticed his struggles with memory, spelling, and reading comprehension. He couldn't remember the days of the week, the date of his birthday or how to spell his own name correctly. However, these challenges became his motivation to explore the world of dyslexia and uncover its hidden secrets.
Jace acknowledges that reading can be an arduous process for him, and spelling presents its own set of hurdles. But he has found a remarkable tool to aid him on his academic journey: his trusty iPad. With its assistance, Jace has unlocked a world of possibilities. His iPad can read texts aloud and utilize speech recognition to answer questions, eliminating the need to struggle with spelling. Jace's iPad has become an invaluable ally, enabling him to navigate the challenges of dyslexia with greater confidence.
Jace fervently believes that individuals with dyslexia possess unique qualities that set them apart. He affirms, “People with dyslexia are very artistic, are creative, are strategic thinkers, and have excellent verbal communication skills.” Jace confidently states that dyslexia can be likened to a superpower, a gift that allows individuals to achieve amazing feats.
Jace's awe-inspiring journey took him from his initial triumph in the class speech competition to winning his school's competition. Buoyed by his success, he went on to conquer the regional semi-finals, leaving audiences spellbound with his eloquence and charisma. Finally, he secured the silver medal in the city finals. Throughout his progression, Jace inspired countless individuals with his resilience and unyielding determination.
But Jace's accomplishments did not come without effort. His dedication to his speech preparation was truly remarkable. He invested countless hours, immersing himself in the world of dyslexia. With his Chromebook as his guide, he eagerly devoured educational videos on the subject, pausing to dictate and capture essential facts on his trusted iPad. As his speech took shape, Jace meticulously recorded it, immersing himself in its content by listening to it repeatedly through his headphones. Recognizing the importance of retention, he meticulously crafted memory cards to aid in his delivery. Jace's meticulousness and unwavering commitment exemplify his relentless determination to succeed.
Jace's remarkable achievements shed light on dyslexia as a learning difference that affects reading, writing, and spelling skills. However, Jace firmly believes that dyslexia also imbues individuals with superpowers, empowering them to achieve extraordinary things. Jace's story serves as a testament to the limitless potential that lies within each person, regardless of the challenges they face. It is a reminder that with the right tools, support, and unwavering determination, anyone can overcome obstacles and soar to great heights.
“Jace's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to all, illustrating the transformative power of embracing our differences and transforming them into strengths,” says Alicia Smith, Executive Director of Dyslexia Canada. “His unwavering spirit shines as a beacon of hope for individuals with dyslexia, reminding us all that diversity should be celebrated and cherished.”
Let us learn from Jace.
