2024 ALTA National Conference: Dr. Sheila Clonan. "Grounding Dyslexia Assessments in the Science of Reading."

Grounding Dyslexia Assessments in the Science of Reading: Insights from ALTA 2024

At the 2024 ALTA conference, Dr. Sheila Clonan, a respected NYS Licensed Psychologist and board member of The Reading League, delivered a compelling session on "Grounding Dyslexia Assessments in the Science of Reading." In an era where literacy assessment practices are continually evolving, Dr. Clonan offered educators invaluable insights into how to effectively evaluate and support students with dyslexia.

Understanding the Science of Reading (SOR)

Dr. Clonan began by emphasizing the fundamental components of the Science of Reading (SOR), highlighting the crucial elements of fluency, automaticity, and comprehension. She stressed the importance of decoding and language comprehension skills in reading, as outlined in the Simple View of Reading (SVR), a foundational theory proposed by Gough and Tunmer in 1986.

Assessment Framework

To effectively assess dyslexia, Dr. Clonan outlined a comprehensive framework that considers both decoding and language comprehension skills. Dyslexia, she explained, is characterized by difficulties in accurate word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities, often stemming from deficits in phonological awareness.

The Dyslexia-SOR Roadmap

Aligning with the International Dyslexia Association's definition, Dr. Clonan emphasized the importance of assessing various skills, including phonemic awareness, vocabulary, decoding, and fluency. By explicitly measuring these skills, educators can create a roadmap for intervention tailored to each student's needs.

Commonly Used Tests and Limitations

Dr. Clonan provided an overview of standardized tests commonly used in dyslexia assessments, such as the Kaufman Test of Educational Achievement and the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement. She highlighted the limitations of some assessments, including their focus on surface-level skills and the lack of emphasis on automaticity and comprehension.

Case Studies and Recommendations

Through insightful case studies, Dr. Clonan illustrated how to interpret assessment results and develop targeted intervention strategies. She emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, involving educators, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists, to ensure comprehensive support for students with dyslexia.

Key Takeaways for Educators

Dr. Clonan concluded her session with several key takeaways for educators:

• Dyslexia assessments should be grounded in the Science of Reading, considering both decoding and language comprehension skills.

• Assessments must examine both sides of the SVR equation, with a focus on identifying weaknesses in phonological awareness and decoding.

• Listening comprehension should be evaluated alongside reading comprehension to provide a holistic view of students' literacy skills.

• Fluency, at various levels, plays a critical role in reading proficiency and should be assessed and addressed in intervention plans.

Final Thoughts

Dr. Sheila Clonan's session at the 2024 ALTA conference provided educators with a roadmap for conducting dyslexia assessments informed by the Science of Reading. By understanding the underlying components of reading proficiency and using evidence-based assessment practices, educators can better support students with dyslexia on their literacy journey.

Incorporating Dr. Clonan's insights, this blog post aims to empower educators with practical strategies for assessing and supporting students with dyslexia in the classroom. Let me know if there are any specific aspects you'd like to highlight or expand upon further!

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