Reading instruction doesn’t often grab headlines in mainstream media. More and more news outlets across the country, though, report on a growing shift in reading instruction in early education. That’s good news. Even better is the welcome return of phonemic awareness and phonics, key building blocks of good, effective reading instruction. Good for students AND …
Category: Research & Fun Facts
Is This Another Legal Victory Against Dyslexic Student Neglect?
Dyslexic student neglect, that’s a pretty harsh phrase, isn’t it? If you have a child with any type of learning difference, and the school fails to meet your child’s educational needs, then you have some idea of what I mean when I say dyslexic student neglect. A legal victory for students who endure such neglect, …
A Legal Victory for Dyslexia Intervention in Public School, Maybe – Part 2
If you haven’t read Part 1 of A Legal Victory for Dyslexia Intervention in Public School, Maybe, please start there. I shared some changes in dyslexia intervention policy that I believe are worth celebrating. In Part 1, I also patted myself on the back a little. My earlier advice to parents? If struggling …
A Legal Victory for Dyslexia Intervention in Public School, Maybe – Part 1
Could a lawsuit lead to real change for dyslexia intervention in public school? For at least one California school district, it might. This year (2021) a federal class action lawsuit against Berkeley Unified School District not only ended with a settlement; it required some significant, district-wide changes. In the past I’ve encouraged parents …
To Fight or Not to Fight Your Child’s School
Let’s say you have a child in third or fourth grade, or even tenth grade, who reads at the first grade level. You know in your bones that your child is otherwise very bright, so for the life of you, you can’t figure out why reading and learning is so difficult. Or maybe your …
The Trouble With Research-Based Reading Programs
I am a big fan of research. In fact, I’ve dedicated a whole section of my blog to sharing the most interesting and recent tidbits that I discover about learning. When it comes to finding the right learning program for your child I fully support the push for evidence-based solutions. Push for evidence-based …
Phonemes vs Phonemic Awareness vs Phonological Awareness, and Why it Matters to You
Have you heard someone use the term phoneme and thought that you knew exactly what they were talking about? Later you heard the term phonemic awareness, thinking, well, that must be the same thing, right? Then came phonological awareness. Hey guys. Wait a second. What? Why so confusing? I’m here to clear up …