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The Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) is a flexible, multi-dimensional literacy tool designed to structure language-learning contexts to maximise the progress that learners with literacy-related learning difficulties can achieve.
DALP builds upon previous works by Orton, Gillingham and Stillman, Cox, Hickey, the Dyslexia Institute (Literacy Programme – DILP) and Hornsby, which all promoted the concept of structured, cumulative learning. Using this as a central tenet, The Dyslexia Action Literacy Programme (DALP) brings metacognitive learning and the development of metalinguistic awareness to the forefront which, with the placement process as the underpinning strand of the specialist literacy support scheme, enables the practitioner to further extend their reach to those with dyslexia and literacy difficulties.
The focus is upon learner self-efficacy – the promotion of independent lifelong literacy learners. Each learning point is designed to boost learners’ metalinguistic awareness: their ability to talk about the nuts and bolts of literacy learning. There is special emphasis upon the learner discovering information and being able to articulate its discovery.
There is a consistent drive within the teaching materials to encourage the learner to self-monitor and self-check, so that the learner is at the centre of activities. The teacher is seen as a facilitator working to provide the opportunity for the learner to discover facts about literacy-related subject matter. Making links between current knowledge and new information is seen as essential, to enable the learner to feel in control of his or her own learning.
DALP is a flexible literacy programme that can be tailored to fit each learner’s individual profile as well as providing scripted, interactive activities that can be done in small groups or with a whole class. The five strands reflect some of the key aspects of literacy that need to be addressed in each learner. Each strand is made up of a series of cumulative, structured multisensory learning points.
Read our article Specialist Teacher Training Programmes: Back to the Future in Literacy Development.
The Level 5 Diploma (DIST) and the Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties confer eligibility for Associate Membership of The Dyslexia Guild (ADG) recognised as the first grade of professional membership for a specialist teacher/practitioner.
The Level 5 Diploma is accredited by The CPD Standards Office (DIST subject to accreditation). The Level 7 Certificate is accredited by Middlesex University.
The Level 5 Diploma (DIST) and the Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate Specialist Teaching for Literacy-Related Difficulties are also accredited by the British Dyslexia Association (BDA) for Approved Teacher Status or Approved Practitioner Status (ATS/APS subject to accreditation) and PATOSS for Associate membership.
After completing a specialist teaching programme at Level 5 or Level 7 you will have the option to continue your studies to become an assessor at Level 7. See this page for further details.