I have been involved in the education of children with special needs both as a teacher and special education consultant for over 30 years. This has involved working in public, independent and catholic schools as well as at a senior level in the NSW Department of Education. I have worked in a community-based disability organisation and as a special education lecturer at Macquarie University Special Education Centre. I have provided advice to the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and the NSW Board of Studies (now NESA) regarding curriculum and assessment for students with a disability. Recently I have provided advice to ACARA on the role of phonics in beginning reading instruction. I have expertise in assessment and programming for children with difficulties in learning, particularly in the areas of reading and numeracy and extensive experience working collaboratively with parents and schools in the support of children with special needs. I am currently the Principal of the MUSEC School. Within this role, as well as coordinating all aspects of this K-6 special school, I facilitate research within the school, supervise post-graduate practicum students and contribute to the post graduate special education academic program.

Research Interests

▪   The acquisition of literacy skills in students with disabilities/learning difficulties.

▪   The acquisition of numeracy skills in students with disabilities/learning difficulties.

▪   Number sense as a predictor of mathematical difficulties in young children