Melissa Duersch, M.A.,  is a Certified Dyslexia Testing and Tutoring Specialist, the author of four chapter books for the Barton Reading and Spelling system, and the parent of a dyslexic child.  

 

To become a Certified Dyslexia Testing Specialist, Melissa completed a 48-hour graduate-level course called Diagnosing Dyslexia, offered through the University of San Diego and taught by Susan Barton. 

 

She then applied her knowledge by testing a child suspected of having dyslexia.  Melissa then scored the tests and wrote a diagnostic report that was submitted to Susan Barton.  Susan personally reviewed each test and evaluated her 39-page diagnostic report for accuracy, completeness, and readability.  

 

At that point, Melissa Duersch earned her certification as a Dyslexia Testing Specialist. 

 

According to educational law, an expert is "any person who by knowledge, skill, experience, training, or education possesses scientific, technical, or other specialized knowledge that will assist the trier of fact to understand the evidence or to determine a face in issue.  The Individuals with Disabilities Act allows parents to consult with experts and to include experts on their child's IEP team."

 

Melissa Duersch qualifies as an expert under federal education law.

 

Melissa also holds a Master of Arts degree in History from Utah State University.