We were asked: How can I modify the curricula for dyslexic students without compromising standards? MODIFICATIONS VS. ACCOMODATIONS Usually, when 504s or IEPs are discussed, accommodations are mentioned more often than modifications. Accommodations refer to...
Are There Any Group Activities That Benefit Dyslexic Students? [Premium]
Like non-dyslexic students, there can be a wide variations that exist between how students enjoy group activities. In general, extroverts love group activities, while introverts less so. But there are benefits from the selection of some activities that especially benefit dyslexic students. CREATE A POSITIVE CLASSROOM CULTURE FOR DIFFERENT LEARNERS First of all, it’s helpful to have a classroom culture that allows flexibility in learning and accepting of differences. Students can be encouraged to take a different approach while solving problems and demonstrating knowledge. A discussion about differences in learning at the beginning of the year can make students who know they learn differently, feel more welcome. Some teachers may also model their openness to solving problems or learning a different way. Offering students options […]
Using AI and CHATGPT in Higher Education [Premium]
Here’s a brief summary of what entrepreneur Stan Gloss shared about using Chat GPT in Higher education: Embracing Assistive Technology: Stan advocates for the use of generative AI and other assistive technologies as legitimate tools to support learning and work, especially for those with dyslexia. He uses generative AI to create outlines and formulate questions for writing assignments, which helps him overcome the initial challenge of starting with a blank page. Generative AI for Academic Work: Stan discusses using generative AI, specifically ChatGPT, to aid in the writing process by generating outlines and prompting questions,.
Personalized Learning Tools: – Voice Dream Reader: An app that reads texts aloud, which is vital for individuals who struggle with reading. – ChatGPT: […]Don’t Do This: Dyslexia in The General Classroom [Premium]
With all the demands that teachers face regarding classroom management, and the pressures getting students up to speed in reading and math, dyslexic students may find themselves experiencing additional stress from common classroom practices. We now know that as a group, dyslexic children are more emotionally reactive than their classroom peers (UCSF research). In addition, we know that over half of dyslexic adults experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder when returning to school settings as parents. In the the Dyslexia at School study from Dyslexic Advantage, 43% of parents surveyed reported that their student was punished because of dyslexia-related challenges. What were some the punishments recorded? – given extra homework – physical seclusion (work in hallway or closet) – singled out in classroom to do […]
Dyslexic Advantage at Stow Library in MA
Last week, Brock and I gave a presentation on the Strengths of Dyslexia at the Randall Library in Stow, Massachusetts via Zoom. Tina McAndrew, director of the Randall Library, got the idea to apply for a grant from the American Libraries Association after speaking to...
Q: What If My Professor Rejects My Accommodations Request?
A: You haven't said what accommodation you are seeking, but the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA requires that postsecondary institutions must provide "reasonable accommodations" to participate in courses, programs, and activities. From the American...
Should I Help with Homework? [Premium]
“His mother had read everything to him and in medical school his wife was reading aloud all books and references…there was some opposition to his continuance in medical school on the part of the dean and one other faculty member, but the opposition subsided… After his graduation a report came from a distant medical school hospital stating that this man was the best intern they had had for some time. He passed his American boards in internal medicine and became the head of a group practice clinic in a large city…” — Lloyd Thompson, Reading Disability Should you help with homework? The answer is YES. There is a qualifier on that – you should help but only to the point that you’re helping your student […]
My Child Won’t Go to School: What to Do About School Avoidance
By Dr. Dan Peters of Summit Center "Things were fine last year and now he wakes up with a stomachache and says he doesn’t want to go to school. It takes me forever to get him out the door. We are often late. He ends up screaming at me and telling me I am the worst...
The Letter – Getting a Good Start to the School Year [Premium]
If you’re the parent of a student with significant academic challenges due to dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia, crafting a letter is a familiar ritual. THE GOALS The big picture goals are for your student to have a good year – to enjoy being at school, to be developing in all areas, and to have good relationships with teachers, the school in general, and friends. But all students don’t start the school year on the same footing. If your student is below grade level in reading and is trying to overcome anxiety and/or feelings of failure, she or he may be bringing that to school before the first bell rings. THE CHALLENGE The challenge is that many teachers may not have had training in […]
What to Do This Summer?
Summertime tends to be a great time for dyslexic students. The grinding schoolwork routine is gone - and school, if at all, has fewer time commitments and less time in a seat. TAKE A BREAK First, especially if your student has had a difficult school year with heavy...
California Teachers Union Reject Dyslexia
“It is reprehensible that California is one of 10 states that doesn’t screen for dyslexia,” said Portantino. “The issue isn’t going away. Every year we don’t screen first-graders is another class lost. Shame on us.” Despite some high hopes this past year, a bill for...
How to Survive and Thrive at Parent-Teacher Conferences [Premium]
Some teachers find parent-teacher conferences the most stressful part of their job so it’s best to keep that in mind before you head off to the meeting. I remember we had “good” meetings and “bad”. The good ones seemed so easy – sit back and be presented with student work and positive comments. But there were also hard ones, frustrating ones, and depressing ones. People react to conflicts and crises in different ways – so that there can be psychological minefields for everyone involved in parent-teacher conferences – the parents, the teachers, and the students…and it all seems to go by so fast. BRING SOMEONE If you’re a single parent, bring someone with you – whether it’s a friend, fellow classroom parent, or relative. If […]