Research

Dr Helen Ross, is an experienced, published, qualitative researcher focusing on provisions for young people with Dyslexia and special educational needs. Her work is focused on provisions for young people with special educational needs, and this research sits at the intersection of sociological and educational theory and practice.

Past academic projects have used a critical discourse analysis within a Foucauldian framework, and more recently a Bourdieusian theoretical stance. Helen has developed and used a theoretical framework, based on Bouriesusian ethnography, to undertake an exploration of stakeholder’s experiences of dyslexia in mainstream schools., Helen also develops research with practitioners and parents, where the focus is less academic and feeds directly into organisational aims and objectives. The research outputs are tailored to the desired audience and project focus. Helen is available to consult on methodologies, data analysis and processing, and presentation of project findings. Her work is undertaken with consideration to up-to-date ethical guidelines from professional bodies.

I worked with Helen on several different projects during the past year and I can definitely testify that Helen is incredibly hard-working, super knowledgeable, and a real professional. She was my guide to the world of Dyslexia from the pupil’s point of view, and from a teacher’s point of view. Furthermore, Helen has conducted a wide study on dyslexia that is still being processed, but I am confident that the results will be of a high quality.
There has been one quality that has stood out throughout the entire experience – her professional and personal integrity

– Michael Druker, Director of Product Management, OrCam Israel

Examples of research projects

Teaching in a Time of Uncertainty Review

Helen was inspired to undertake a project to explore the difficulties experienced by families and educators as a result of her own professional experiences as a teacher, in response to a Department for Education Call for Evidence. She is currently exploring her data, with a view to reporting her findings in the DfE Call for Evidence. The title of the project is "Teaching in a Time of Uncertainty: Supporting our Children through Distance learning"

🔗READ THE REPORT

Rapid Evidence Review

Helen has been working with the Council for Science and Technology to provide professional expertise alongside structured, systematic review of evidence of how to best support young poeple with specific learning difficulties. The focus of Helen’s work was the home and school environment. She reviewed literature on parental views, experiences and roles; teachers’ roles and professional knowledge, and different types of technology to support young people at home and school. She the presented her findings to representatives from the Council for Science and Technology and the Deparment for Education, alongside academics from the University of Cambrigde and University College London.

🔗READ THE EVIDENCE REVIEW

Orcam Read Project

Helen is working with OrCam Technologies ltd to explore the benefits of the OrCam Learn for young people with dyslexia. She has worked in several schools to compare reading comprehension levels using the OrCam Learn and without it. She also provides pedagogical consultation on designing and building an AI-based solution that helps children and young people practice reading

Dyslexia Friendly Schools

Helen was asked to work with a team in the Local Authority SEND division to develop an evaluation framework for a project aiming to improve provision for learners with dyslexia, as schools work towards the British Dyslexia Association Dyslexia Friendly Schools Kitemark. She is supporting with funding allocation, impact evaluation and dissemination of findings.

British Dyslexia Association and John Hicks- the Human Cost of Dyslexia

Helen has worked as a consultant with John Hicks of Spectacles Coaching and the British Dyslexia Association on their recent project the ‘Human Cost of Dyslexia‘. She undertook analysis of qualitative data gathered as part of a semi-structured survey undertaken on line. Findings of the project were then presented at the All Party Parliamentary Group for Dyslexia and Other SpLDs on 24th April 2019 and Helen contributed to the final report, where evidence and recommendations arising from the survey were documented.

🔗VIEW THE FINAL REPORT

You and CO2 Project

Helen has provided professional advice relating to educational settings and resource development alongside her expertise in qualitative data analysis for this project, involving work with young people’s understanding of climate change. Helen analysed young people’s responses to a short series of workshops as demonstrated through their online digital fictions. She then developed a theoretical model and presented findings to the project team in the form of PowerPoint Presentations (interim and final) and short interim and then final reports.

🔗SEE MORE ABOUT THE PROJECT

Explore all Helen's publications

Your next steps

For a detailed quotation for your specific project please get in touch today. We will come back to you within 48 hours.

Helen’s research project rates start at £450 per day and is happy to discuss reduced rates for projects with limited budgets.

Get in touch now