Understand why you assess

Not all assessment tools are created equal.  Your purpose will influence which tool is best.  Learn the similarities and differences to allow you to be most efficient and direct your intervention.

Refine data interpretation skills

Is standardised assessment always the first place to start? What red flags can appear in data that signal the need to further investigate?  Which type of progress monitoring tools could be useful?

Expand your repertoire of tools

While many aspire to find the single gold standard assessment tool, the reality is that a combination of assessments is needed for your toolkit.  Explore which combination are best fit for you.

About the course

Take a deep dive into the range of assessment tools available to assess school age language and literacy skills [reading and spelling].  Understand what this data can then tell you about reading comprehension and the language skills required for written composition.  Explore Universal Screening Tools [CUBED NLM, DIBELS & Acadience Reading], Criterion or Curriculum Based Assessment Tools [eg. LLARS, Phonic Book Diagnostic Assessment, CHIPS] and Standardised Assessment Tools [YARC, WRMT 3, Motif, CASL-2, CTOPP2, RAN/RAS, TOWRE-2, TILLS].  The overview allows you to work out the best combination of assessment tools for your individual needs based on the client population you support. Report Templates and sample reports included.

Kathryn Thorburn

Starting her professional life in Speech Pathology, Kathryn diversified her skills by completing additional training as a teacher [primary plus a Masters of Special Education] over 20 years ago. An early adopter of research in both Speech Pathology and Education, she has extensive training and practical experience in translating research into practice in the K - 12 classroom and clinic. Kathryn was a member of the syllabus writing team for the new K-2 and 3 - 6 NSW English Syllabus in 2021. Her current focus is on supporting the students who often get lost in the classroom due to dyslexia, DLD and other learning difficulties either developmental disabilities or mild - moderate acquired neurological injuries [tbi, oncology, epilepsy, rare disease]. Kathryn continues to maintain current qualifications in both Speech Pathology [CPSP | MSPA] and Teaching [NESA Accredited Teacher - Proficient] and loves to equip other speech pathology and education professionals to support the success of more students.

Curriculum

1 Chapter · 8 Lessons

  1. 1

    Unpacking Assessment Language and Literacy

    1. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Handout - Standardised Assessment Tools

    2. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Standardised Assessment Tools Part 1

    3. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Standardised Assessment Tools Part 2

    4. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Curriculum Based Assessment Resources

    5. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Curriculum Based Assessment [CBM]

    6. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Universal Screening

    7. (Included in full purchase)

      Unpacking Assessment - Universal Screening

    8. (Included in full purchase)

      Research

Feedback

Kathryn has presented for Speech Pathology Australia [Conference Presentation | Conference Workshop | Professional Development Sessions], Language, Learning & Literacy Conference DyslexiaSPELD WA, Sharing Best Practice Conference, Australian Inclusive Education Conference, Think Forward Educators, Learning Difficulties Australia, Science of Teaching and Learning Australia [SOTLA] Conference, Successful Learning Conference, University of Sydney, University of Newcastle Speech Pathology Students, AISNSW Schools, DET QLD Schools plus a wide range of Speech Pathology Private Practices.

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One of my colleagues has recently been participating in your online toolkit and has raved about what a great PD experience it has been, and that it is the best training that she has undertaken as a Speech Path – so thanks for big such a great resource and so generous with sharing your amazing knowledge and experience!
Speech Pathologist

Western Australia

Thank you for being so generous with your knowledge and making this platform happen. The learning I have done in the last month has revolutionised my intervention and I can't wait to keep learning.
Speech Pathologist

Queensland

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Hi Kathryn I'd love to extend my membership please. You have ruined me for all other training and PD. Your offering is incredible. Thank you so much for what you do.
Specialist Literacy Tutor

Melbourne Victoria

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Highly recommend! Zero affiliation with Kathryn just a current member and it’s brilliant.
Speech Pathologist

NSW, Australia

Thanks Tamworth!! Just back from a day presenting for the NSW/ ACT SPA Regional & Remote Network! Loved face to face meeting so many ‘‘virtual friends’. Shared a live version of parts of the Tier 3 Toolkit Membership focusing on School Age Academic Language, Reading Comprehension & Writing - Assessment & Intervention
Kathryn Thorburn

Language and Learning

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Hi Kathryn,  I just finished the first module and goodness, I wish I had jumped onto this last year. I have kids in upper primary for whom I needed this PD. Really getting a lot out of this membership. Thanks so much!
Speech Pathologist 

Sydney, NSW

Ready to help your students thrive? Start by deepening your language and literacy knowledge.

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$149.00

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