Suggest to ABC re Mylor State School Story, the Speech Sound Pics (SSP) Approach

1. I have tried to answer posts as best I can, after seeing that this speech therapist had tried to
sabotage the story, and undermine the professional judgement of a teaching team.
As the foundation of the Speech Sound Pics (SSP) Approach is developing oral language and
phonemic awareness it is ironic that a speechie would be trying to sabotage it ?:-)
I chose not to be interviewed, as this was supposed to be a focus on a school leader wanting more
for her school community, and to show how far they have already come ! It should have been a
story of joy and hope, and about getting back to real, personalised, differentiated teaching with a
focus on 'reading for pleasure' and on including all learners
For some reason a few dyslexia awareness campaigners have yet again decided to try to harass
anyone wanting to use SSP. This has been going on for months.
I was appointed to inspect on the quality of teaching and learning by OFSTED in the UK. This is
not my first rodeo. I also have a Masters Degree in Special Educational Needs, with a specialism
in dyslexia, and created SSP to not only give teachers an easy HOW to implement all six basic
elements of an effective literacy program, and to exceed Australian Curriculum expectations, but
so that teachers could learn how to identify and meet the needs of children who learn differently,

2. eg those with dyslexia. There is nothing new, or ‘controversial’ about the Big Six, or using a
Speech to Print phonics approach. The SSP Spelling Clouds, however. are a world first.
But my qualifications mean nothing compared to the work I DO with kids to help them get back
on track. Im a DOER, to the extent that my doctorate is on hold so that I can action change, not
just research it.
I never, in my wildest dreams, thought that the resistance would come from volunteer dyslexia
awareness groups though. Never. They are distributing fliers telling people not to use SSP.
I simply cannot continue to try to address their 'concerns'. I'm asking them, publically, to please
leave me, and the parents and teachers I view as my SSP 'family' alone. Follow stories about SSP
if interested, because it isn’t going away.
Teachers have had a really bad rap for years because of our literacy results. Many get poor
literacy results because of what they are told to do. It's a bit of a crazy system. Many are actually
using SSP in secret, and only admit it when people start asking about their dramatic shift in
results. But data cannot be ignored. PM benchmarking, NAPLAN results and all other testing is
there in black and white for the education department to see. And teachers are talking.
So embrace this change, and stop judging teachers for using something they can see works from
week 1. Support those teachers. Trust that they are not 'brain washed' and that their data is real.
For this woman to imply anything else is downright disrespectful.
Thank you, to ABC, for trying to share a story. I am happy to discuss a long term project with
you, with some new Kinders/ Preps being followed all year in 2016, to show not only academic
outcomes, but also their personal, social and emotional journey.
I would also be happy to be filmed working an older student who has struggled (primary or high
school) so you can see exactly what I do, as SSP was my way of replicating this, so that others
can do it. We can scan the student's brain before and after intervention. Give me about 10 hours
between the first and second scan to see the 'rewiring' begin.
Have a great day everyone.
Miss Emma.
The Reading Whisperer
DyslexiaDoctor.com /
WiringBrains.com
Parent and Teacher Stories Shared
on WiringBrains.com