Friends University will begin offering a new Master of Education concentration in Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention this summer. Friends University and the Fundamental Learning Center have joined forces to provide teachers with professional training in dyslexia that will count toward a Master of Education at Friends University. This is the first concentration of its kind in the state of Kansas.
In November 2019, the Kansas State Board of Education unanimously approved recommendations requiring training for pre-service and in-service teachers in working with dyslexia. The joint partnership will allow teachers pursuing their Master of Education to effectively train, prepare and teach those with reading difficulties.
“We have worked hard for many years to advocate for individuals and teach them to read,” said Jeanine Phillips, co-founder and executive director of the Fundamental Learning Center. “The new Kansas State Board of Education recommendations are a step in the right direction to provide our educators with the necessary training to teach students with dyslexia to read, write and spell. Fundamental Learning Center and Friends University are dedicated to equipping educators with the proven methods and techniques needed to positively impact the success of each student.”
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty that is neurobiological in origin and characterized by challenges with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities, according to the Kansas State Department of Education. One in five students is affected and suffers from dyslexia and each student is affected differently. Early assessment and intervention is the key to student’s success.
“At Friends University we are committed to providing high quality learning experiences for our students and equipping them with the tools they need to positively impact and empower their teaching lives,” said Dr. Dona Gibson, professor of education and psychology and director of the Master of Education in Teaching and Learning, and Master of Education in Special Education. “We are thrilled to join forces with the Fundamental Learning Center and offer the professional training in dyslexia for educators. It’s a win-win for everyone, including students, teachers and parents.”
For more information on the Dyslexia and Literacy Interventionist concentration or to enroll today, visit https://friends.edu/graduate/education-graduate/#dyslexia.
Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.