Our Approach to Intervention

At the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, our programmes are a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our highly qualified teachers. Our educators are not only well-versed in their subjects but are also deeply committed to the progress and success of their students. They bring their creative spirit and unwavering devotion to the classroom, crafting programmes that are as unique as the students they serve.

Our teachers are more than instructors; they are mentors who understand the challenges of learning differences. They are flexible in their approach, recognising that each student’s journey is unique and requires tailored support. Their training equips them to employ the Orton-Gillingham approach, incorporating innovative educational technology, which transforms the learning experience.

It is the dedication and passion of our teachers that sets us apart. They are the driving force behind the success stories of our students. Their commitment to nurturing talents, providing guidance, and offering unwavering support is the cornerstone of our educational approach. We believe that with the right teacher by their side, students can overcome any learning challenge and achieve their full potential.

Join us as we explore the wide range of programmes we offer, each designed with the student’s needs at the forefront. From preschool to adulthood, our commitment to empowering individuals with learning differences remains unwavering. It’s not just about education; it’s about making a profound difference in the lives of our learners.

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore provides support to a wide range of learners, including:

  • Preschoolers in K1 and K2

  • Primary 1 to Secondary 5 students in mainstream and international schools

  • Learners with a formal or are at risk of a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or other specific learning differences

  • Students of any age who find learning challenging, students who struggle to learn – those who learn differently

  • Post Secondary Students in Institutes of Higher Learning, such as Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), Polytechnics and Universities

  • Adults who struggle with literacy

Whether you are a young learner just starting out, a student in higher education, or an adult looking to improve your literacy skills, our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide the guidance and support you need to achieve your goals.

We are pleased to announce that our DAS constitution has been updated and ratified by our Board and Statutory body to include Struggling Learners in the mission, goals and aims of our organisation.

The DAS new mission:

 “Empowering people with dyslexia and other struggling learners to achieve their true potential.

DAS has therefore expanded access to its programmes to students without a diagnosis of a specific learning difference such as dyslexia.

DAS PROGRAMMES

DAS Programmes offered in small group settings are:

  • Main Literacy Programme (Primary 1 to Secondary 5)
  • Preschool Programme (K1 & K2)
  • Chinese (Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • English Exam Skills (Primary 3 to Primary 6)
  • Maths (Preschool to Secondary 1)
  • Speech and Drama (K2, Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • Speech and Language Therapy (Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • Specialist Tutoring (Preschool to Adult)
  • iReaCH™  (Primary 5 to Secondary 5)
  • iStudySmartâ„¢ (Secondary 3 to Institutes of Higher Learning)

Students wanting to access our programmes who do not have a diagnosis of dyslexia will be required to sit a PROFILING TEST to help us facilitate class placement.  This profiling test will also allow us to understand the learning challenges she/he faces and also allow us to provide targeted teaching that can be provided in our small classes.

Struggling Learners

Struggling learners are students who face difficulties in their academic journey, despite their best efforts. These students may have a variety of reasons for their struggles, ranging from emotional and behavioural challenges to financial circumstances and other external factors. These students may not be formally diagnosed with a learning difference but are finding learning challenging, nonetheless.

There can be many factors that contribute to a student’s struggles in the classroom. One of the most common reasons is a lack of foundational knowledge or skills. For example, students who struggle with reading comprehension may have difficulty because they do not have a strong grasp of phonics, vocabulary, or grammar.

Other students may struggle because of issues related to attention and focus. These students may have difficulty staying on task or staying organised, which can lead to poor academic performance. Similarly, some students may struggle with executive functioning, which makes it challenging to plan, prioritise, and manage their time effectively.

Emotional and behavioural challenges can also impact a student’s ability to learn. Students who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may find it challenging to concentrate on their studies or participate in classroom activities. Additionally, students who experience bullying, trauma, or other adverse life experiences may struggle to engage in learning due to the emotional toll of these experiences.

In summary, struggling learners are students who face challenges in their academic journey for a variety of reasons. The Dyslexia Association of Singapore recognises that all students deserve access to quality education and support, regardless of the obstacles they face. By providing specialist services for struggling learners DAS aims to level the playing field for these students and help them achieve their true potential.

Struggling learners are eligible for DAS programmes, but without a formal diagnosis of a learning difference, they do not qualify for the MOE grant that is applicable to the Main Literacy Programme (MLP). However, while struggling learners may not be eligible for the MOE grant, DAS’ range of programmes and services, including MLP, can equally benefit struggling learners and help them overcome their learning challenges. DAS programmes are designed to help students build their foundational literacy skills, improve their confidence, and develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their academic journey.

We encourage parents to contact DAS directly to learn more about the programmes and services that are available for struggling learners, and to discuss the options that may be best suited to their child’s needs.

Find out more about services for Struggling Learners HERE