CRESTVIEW HILLS, Ky. — A truly one-of-a-kind initiative, Thomas More University’s School of Education launches the Commonwealth’s first Dyslexia Institute. The institute supports students and the greater community by sharing resources intentionally designed to promote awareness and create change by highlighting the dyslexic profile. Fully understanding the impact of dyslexia enables parents, teachers, and employers to ensure dyslexic children and adults have the support needed to thrive. Programming through the institute includes assessment clinics, teacher training, direct family support, and more.
“Thomas More is the first university in the commonwealth to have a dyslexia-specific resource for our students and our community,” explains Kayla Steltenkamp, Ph.D., assistant professor in the School of Education. Steltenkamp is a renowned expert in literacy and dyslexia and leads the new initiative. “The Thomas More University Dyslexia Institute is a preeminent source in Kentucky to disseminate the latest research, share practical resources with the community, and transform the instruction and intervention for all dyslexic children and adults,” adds Steltenkamp.
All Thomas More education graduates are trained in identifying the characteristics of dyslexia and developing targeted interventions for student success. Further, they gain real-world experience as they participate in the facilitation of the Dyslexia Institute’s programming. Students are also exposed to cutting-edge trends in the field as coursework directly aligns with current literacy research in “The Science of Reading.” This gives pre-service teachers a solid foundation in content knowledge and effective instruction for all students. Outside the School of Education, Thomas More University also has the Institute for Learning Differences, which offers continuous support to dyslexic college students while earning their degrees.
“University-based organizations are pivotal sources of information and support for the dyslexic community and those working with dyslexics,” explains Josh Clark, president of the International Dyslexia Association. “The [Thomas More] School of Education has engaged in important work with their literacy courses and is truly at the forefront of the current literacy movement. Their work with the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE), International Dyslexia Association, Made by Dyslexia, and other key players will provide long-term success.” The Thomas More School of Education works closely with the KDE to promote state initiatives and help make connections between state-level administrators, local practitioners, and pre-service teachers. The Dyslexia Institute collaborates directly with Kentucky schools and educators, applying knowledge gained through the institute to evaluate and develop early interventions and strategies.
The Dyslexia Institute is one aspect of new offerings from the School of Education called the Education VILLA. Transformational offerings from the Education VILLA are set to roll out in three phases, with the Dyslexia Institute being part of phase one, launching in the 2023-24 academic year. “We are going to be taking a leadership role in shaping K-12 education in the commonwealth,” said University President Joseph L. Chillo, LP.D. “The vibrancy of our communities in Northern Kentucky and throughout the commonwealth require stronger schools and the most important investment that we can make is to ensure that every student has access to high-quality education and excellent teachers who care deeply about children’s education.” More announcements from the Education VILLA are forthcoming.
