Short courses which are being run by the Literacy Assessment and Research Centre at the Institute of Education, 20 Bedford Way, London include: reading comprehension (November 17, January 19, June 8); memory: assessment and function (November 19, January 26, May 19); beginning reading (November 24, March 17, May 18); reading: easy for some (February 2-3, June 9-10, aimed at special needs teachers); learning to spell (March 11-12, June 15-16, aimed at special needs teachers). Fees from Pounds 70 one day; Pounds 130 two days. Details: Dr Estelle Lewin. Tel: 0171 612 6416.