October is dyslexia awareness month. Why is this month so important? Because our schools do not understand that dyslexia is the greatest reason a child will struggle with reading, writing and spelling, Most of our schools do not address it with the correct programs and to the intensity needed. Very few schools provide their special education teachers with the expert training needed to help readers with dyslexia. Unless we parents speak out and educate our schools, the 20% of students with dyslexia will continue to not reach their true potential.
Your school board meeting is the first place to begin educating your school district about dyslexia. Superintendents, administrators and teachers have been taught that dyslexia is an old-fashion diagnosis, it is wrong to label children, or no one in our school has dyslexia. Prepare a talk for your school board. Present the facts! Help make change! The Aspire Academy Teacher Resources is a great place to gather facts for a school board letter.
The Des Moines Public Library created this podcast to help parents identify the major symptoms. Listen to Heidi Stoffel, Executive Director of Aspire Academy, explain dyslexia’s warning signs and what parents can do.
