College of Education

Education

• Ph.D., Communication Sciences and Disorders - Learning Disabilities, Northwestern University
• M.A.T. - Rockford University, Rockford, Illinois - Major in Learning Disabilities
• B.A. - Pillsbury College, Owatonna, Minnesota (Majors in Bible and Music)

Biography

Dr. David C. Winters is a professor and the Head of the Department of Special Education. His teaching, writing, and research interests focus on dyslexia and literacy disabilities, and his specific areas of expertise include structured literacy intervention, assessment, and instructional and assistive technology. A prominent voice in literacy intervention, Dr. Winters authors “Dr. Dave’s AT Lab,” a periodic column in The Examiner, and the online newsletter of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).

Dr. Winters has been a classroom teacher, university professor, tutor, diagnostician, administrator and tutor/teacher trainer for more than 35 years. Before joining the faculty at EMU, he directed the clinical program for the Children’s Dyslexia Centers, where he helped develop its structured literacy curriculum and tutor training at centers in 15 states. Dr. Winters also served as the vice-president of the IDA Michigan Branch and has been president of the Illinois and Upper Midwest IDA Branches.

Interests and Expertise

Research Interests

• The role of instructional and assistive technology for persons with literacy disabilities

Courses

• SPGN 251: Introduction to Inclusion and Disability Studies in a Diverse Society
• SPGN 271: Speech and Language Development in Children, Adolescents and Young Adults with Exceptional Learning Needs
• SPGN 323W: Writing for Professionals in Special Education
• SPGN 390: Measurement and Diagnosis in Special Education
• SPGN 395: Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults with Disabilities: School, Family, and Community
• SPGN 481: Instructional and Assistive Technology in Special Education
• SPLI 673: Language: Acquisition, Disorders, Evaluation

Publications and Presentations

Selected Publications

• Cheesman, E., Winters, D., & McGuire, P. (2016). Technology. In Mather, N. & Jaffee, L. Woodcock-Johnson IV: Reports, Recommendations, and Strategies. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
• Winters, D. (2014). Special education’s journey: A brief history. In Smith, P. (Ed.) Disability and Diversity: An Introduction. Dubuque, IA: Kendall Hunt Publishing Company.
• Winters, D. & Cheesman, E. (2013). Mobile instructional and assistive technology for literacy. Perspectives on Language and Literacy, 43-47. Baltimore, MD: The International Dyslexia Association.

Selected Presentations

• Cheesman, E. & Winters, D. (2017) Mobile Apps to Enhance Structured Literacy. 68^th Annual Conference: The International Dyslexia Association, November 10, 2017, Atlanta, GA.
• Winters, D. (2018). There’s an App for That!: Supporting Reading and Written Expression through Technology. Spring Conference: Kansas/Missouri Branch of the IDA, April 6, 2018, Overland Park, KS.
• Winters, D. (2016). Deciphering Dyslexia. Culturally Proficient Instruction Conference: Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, November 8, 2016, Plymouth, MI
• Winters, D. (2013). Enhancing Reading, Spelling, and Writing through Assistive Technology. 65^th Annual Conference: The International Dyslexia Association, November 12, 2014, San Diego, CA

Memberships

• Academy of Orton-Gillingham Practitioners and Educators (Fellow)
• American Educational Research Association
• American Psychological Association
• Council for Exceptional Children
• The International Dyslexia Association