Okay, this might sound cheesy, but the best "gift" I ever gave my dyslexic child was access to Learning Ally.

Yay! You did it. You successfully advocated for your child to be tested for a learning disability. Congratulations! You have jumped the first hurdle of many.

My child has been diagnosed, but the school said that doesn’t matter.” This statement is one of the most common frustrations I hear from parents.

Embracing a growth mindset through discomfort can be challenging, but it is an important part of your child's personal development.

I think the easiest way to tackle this topic is to go with the old-fashioned, who, what, where, when, why?

Why is it so hard to identify dyslexia? I often tell my clients it is because dyslexia is found in the subtests. But what does that mean? It means if you only look at composite scores on psychological and educational evaluations, you may not see evidence of dyslexia.

If you didn't know, I was a teacher. I have taught many grades in many different states. I love teaching, I love shaping lives, and I love making each kid feel like they belong, even though they are unique.

This has been a hot topic in the reading round for several years. If you’re in the know, you will know that this hot topic is “the science of reading .” Although new to many, the science of reading has been around for decades, and researchers have compiled literally thousands of studies conducted in multiple languages. These studies have been put together, peer-reviewed, and widely accepted as evidence to inform how proficient readers learn to read and write. In addition, we have learned through this research why some readers have difficulty learning to read and what remediation can be implemented to mitigate those struggles.

As kids get older and enter middle school and high school the information in their IEP are no longer left to just one or two adults. They may have 6, 8 ,15 adults at school that SHOULD know the ins and outs of their IEP but probably do not. So here are a few tips to help with self advocacy.

This post was inspired by a follower asking the following question: my son's IEP goals have been carried over from year to year, although in 7th grade, all assessments are from first and 2nd grade. I disagree that these are his baselines. How can I get them to update this information?

The IEP is one of the most critical documents in a child's education. All teachers should read it so that everyone understands what is expected of the child and how they will be supported in the classroom. Your child's case manager makes sure that this happens by working with teachers, parents, and school aides at their school to make sure that everyone is on the same page about what your child needs for support and accommodations.

October is an important month for our dyslexic community as we come together to raise awareness about dyslexia. During this Dyslexia Awareness Month, we have an incredible opportunity to celebrate the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with dyslexia. It is equally important, however, to reflect on the significance of recognizing our strengths and weaknesses and embracing them. In this blog post, we will explore why it is vital for us and our children to acknowledge and appreciate our diverse abilities.

In the ever-evolving field of education, there is a continuous search for the most effective methods of instruction. It may come as a surprise that, despite advancements in educational research, there still exists ambiguity and debate surrounding the best way to teach children how to read. This ongoing debate, commonly known as the "reading wars," highlights the significance of using scientifically proven methods of instruction. I read this article from Education Week titled "I Literally Cried: Teachers Describe Their Transition to Science-Based Reading Instruction." this week, and it made me wonder, what is the hold up on using this instruction with ALL students.

As parents of special kids, we often find ourselves facing the complex and overwhelming public education system. We juggle appointments, therapy sessions, and IEPs while also trying to ensure our child receives a fair and appropriate education. Amid this whirlwind, an advocate can be your guiding light, helping you traverse this tiring process.

I have hesitated writing this blog because it seems so self-serving. I am a great advocate and an advocate that will always go the extra mile. But there are many great advocates out there. However, when one of my clients told me, "I was thinking you should probably write an article or give advice on how to ... identify an advocate not doing their job (just after your money) and how to look for one with the qualities you have ... who is genuinely trying to help you..." I knew it needed to be addressed.

The realm of special education is undergoing a transformative phase with the advent of Microsoft's AI Reading Coach, a state-of-the-art tool that gamifies reading and provides an interactive learning experience. By unlocking new story settings and characters, students are not only learning but also embarking on an engaging literacy journey.