The CEO's voice

Dyslexia Scotland

Chief Executive

Cathy Magee, OBE

Welcome to our spring issue of Dyslexia Voice, on the theme of Education.

The articles in this edition explore education from a wide range of interesting perspectives, including primary and secondary teachers, tutors, youth workers, children and young people and adults. As usual, there is something for all our members inside. We hope our younger members enjoy the Useful Stuff and Just for Fun sections.

Author Margaret Rooke talks about the importance of listening to dyslexic children about what helps them to learn most effectively. In the article about Dunblane primary school, children share their own experiences, ideas and tips for other dyslexic children as well as teachers.

Similarly, the Changemaker Channel highlights examples of good practice led by children and young people in collaboration with their teachers to better support dyslexia at school.

Read about the many teachers engaging in lifelong learning themselves, in order to understand and gain deeper knowledge about dyslexia. They are doing this through our education conference highlighted on page 42 and our professional recognition programme - see details of the Awards ceremony on page 36.

One of the teachers who has gained Professional Recognition in dyslexia and inclusive practice shares practical advice on study skills in secondary school on page 34.

Thanks to our dyslexic members and guest contributors who have described what education means to them so articulately - including children and young people still studying and adults reflecting on what they learned and are still learning. For example, Kate Davies speaks powerfully about the difference inspiring teachers made in helping her to ‘become my own ally’.

We have included updates since the autumn edition about the work of the Dyslexia Scotland team of staff and volunteers, such as:

• Our report on a momentous Dyslexia Awareness Week.

• Our ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature: meet our newest Director, David McIntosh and one of our dedicated Helpline volunteer advisers, Susan Taylor.

• Since its launch in November, the ‘Towards a dyslexia-friendly Scotland?’ report has been disseminated widely. We have used its findings and recommendations in discussions with politicians including the First Minister, policymakers and a range of changemakers.

Thanks very much to all our contributors for taking time to submit your articles, photos and stories. We welcome feedback from all our members on our magazine.