In step-by-step fashion, learn how to unleash the dyslexic writing talent of students through Dr. Nicole Swedberg's idea of Mini-Writes. In her talk, Dr. Swedberg talks about short writing assignments can help students master small achievable goals. She describes how...
Bridging the Gap: Help for Dyslexic Professionals in Higher Education Marshall [Premium]
It’s not uncommon for dyslexic students performing at the highest levels to thrive in higher education, but then be surprised by obstacles either in the workplace or in professional licensing exams – when they encounter something they haven’t ever had to do before. Dyslexics tend to excel at acting and making decisions in real-life problem-solving situations, but may have trouble with board exams or steps in their careers where they are supposed to function as ‘scut monkeys’ with heavy reading, writing, and database-reading demands. It’s helpful to know that the situation is not uncommon because if it happens to you or someone who you care about, it seems like a huge personal crisis. Some people will have to repeat a year or be put on […]
Teaching Science to Students with Dyslexia – Middle School [Premium]
Adolescents are at a stage of development when they need to be in an environment where they can experience independence, growth, cooperation, and creativity; however, the typical middle school provides an environment that stresses competition, grades, relative ability, and rote memorization.” – From The Middle School Experience: Effects on the Math and Science Achievements of Adolescents with LD Perhaps because of dyslexic strengths in direct observation, causal reasoning, and analytical problem solving, the subject of science in middle school present opportunities for talent and possibly future career development. The potential obstacles facing students with dyslexia with interests in science are several: extensive technical vocabulary, similar sounding but distinct terms, writing demands for essays and lab notebooks, however teaching strategies based on students’ relative strengths and learning preferences […]
ADHD / Gifted 2E Guidelines from Department of Education – Schools
In breaking news, the US Department of Education and Office for Civil Rights have released their a letter from Asst Secretary Catherine Lhamon and its Students with ADHD and Section 504 Resource Guide HERE. For your convenience, we also include them below -...
Are Standardized Tests Making Kids Anxious? [Premium]
Florida Department of Education just released results of their Florida Standards Assessment or FSA Test. 46% of all of the public school children who took the test were below standard and 20% are at risk for being held back in the 3rd grade. What are these tests that can force 3rd graders to repeat a year? A sample 3rd grade reading passage (with questions and answers) is provided by the Department. The passage was clearly developmentally appropriate for 3rd graders – and ridiculous for dyslexic 3rd graders who are likely to make up 15% of every classroom. But don’t take just our word for it. When we put the 3rd grade FSA practice reading passage through a readability tool, What was the passage appropriate for? […]
How to Accommodate or Modify Assignments and Tests for Students with Dyslexia and ELLs [Premium]
Many teachers don’t realize that many dyslexic students need modifications in assignments and tests in order to accurately assess their knowledge. Some of these changes will also benefit other students in class including English Language Learners or ELLs. Homework and test questions are sentences that often present information out of context, so that the content is more difficult to read. CLASSROOM ACCOMMODATIONS / MODIFICATIONS FOR STUDENTS WITH DYSLEXIA AND ELLs 1. Less! Reduce the amount of homework to 1/3 or if a student needs to completely redraft work, eliminate assignments until the redrafting process is finished. 2. Be aware that your students may not be able to read word problems or instructions on assignments. 3. Highlight clues. 4. Reduce Choices. Eliminate “All of the above” […]