26. Navigating IEPs and 504 Plans: Building Positive Partnerships

29. Dyslexia's Common Companions

Have you ever wondered why so many students with dyslexia also struggle with attention, math, or language? In this episode, we dive deep into the world of comorbidities. That’s when dyslexia shows up with other learning differences. Discover the latest research on why these conditions are often seen together, learn to recognize the warning signs, and get practical, evidence-based strategies for both the classroom and home. Whether you're a parent navigating multiple diagnoses or an educator supporting diverse learners, this episode will help you see the whole child, not just the reading challenge. RESOURCES: Quick Tips for Supporting Comorbidities [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BVInGFCK7XgMMND7BAjATD3kDkkkTvOYLjrrWpq88_0/edit?usp=drive_link] Symptom Comparison [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZrmhBhnsxLoYh424EN9z4OFNf00Yu8fr/edit?usp=drive_link&ouid=115122717572657201267&rtpof=true&sd=true]

28. The Science of Reading: Teaching Reading the Way the Brain Learns

The Science of Reading explained - why reading can be hard, what research shows, and how the right instruction helps kids succeed. Resources: - The National Reading Panel (2000) - https://bit.ly/reading-panel-report [https://bit.ly/reading-panel-report] - Dr. Mark Seidenberg - Language at the Speed of Sight - https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx [https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx] - Dr. Louisa Moats - https://louisamoats.com/ [https://louisamoats.com/] - Mississippi Reading Improvements News - https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains [https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains] - The Lilly Endowment Literacy Brief - https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief [https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief] - Georgetown TX Literacy Gains (49%-64%) - https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains [https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains] - Tennessee district literacy case study - https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost [https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost] - Kentucky structured literacy review - https://bit.ly/ky-literacy [https://bit.ly/ky-literacy]

27. Dyslexia Supports That Work

In this episode, we dive into what the research actually says about supporting students with dyslexia so they can thrive academically. We explore classroom practices, instructional methods, mindset shifts, and the most effective assistive technology tools used today for reading, writing, and executive-function support. This episode is perfect for educators, evaluators, parents, and literacy enthusiasts who want evidence-based strategies they can implement immediately. REFERENCES & HELPFUL LINKS [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1f7I9qzpG6JX4knaBC2BIY846VKmtDBwDs4wYDRKZ8hs/edit?usp=sharing] 👉 Follow Dyslexia District for monthly deep dives into dyslexia, dysgraphia, structured literacy, and equitable classroom practices. 👉 Share this episode with a teacher, parent, or colleague who supports neurodiverse learners. Want more?

26. Navigating IEPs and 504 Plans: Building Positive Partnerships

Learn the key differences between IEPs and 504 plans and discover research-backed strategies for building positive school partnerships that help students thrive. A clear, compassionate guide for parents, educators, and anyone navigating special education. RESOURCES • Overview of IDEA — U.S. Department of Education [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504] • Section 504 overview — U.S. Dept. of Education [https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/individuals-disabilities/section-504] • Practical brief: Partnering with Families through Special Education [https://cete.osu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Special-Education-Research-Brief-2022.pdf] • Joyce Epstein’s Framework of Six Types of Involvement [https://www.ocecd.org/Downloads/Epstein's Framework - six times of involvement 20163.pdf] • Meta-analyses & reviews on parental involvement & student outcomes [https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1280652.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] • ⁠Meeting Email Script [https://drive.google.com/file/d/196jkyEzS_ykqDxyDIKbI3WLlAA0S_IZO/view?usp=sharing]⁠ • ⁠Meeting Prep Checklist⁠ [https://drive.google.com/file/d/18wmT4La1U5ul7KapND_y1aZpzxN2bUoK/view?usp=sharing] • ⁠IEP vs 504 side-by-side [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1orHHzeSKJB5Y4qvLuGqhVMEnjVnBPomM/view?usp=sharing]⁠

25. Understanding Dysgraphia

Does your child avoid writing assignments, feel frustrated during homework, or struggle with handwriting that’s hard to read? These may be signs of dysgraphia, a learning difference that impacts written expression. In this episode of Dyslexia District, Kim Smith — educator and diagnostician — takes a deep, practical look at dysgraphia. You’ll hear how it presents in children, what recent research tells us, and what parents, teachers, and schools can do to provide effective support. Resources * IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know [https://dyslexiaida.org/ida-dyslexia-handbook/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] – A comprehensive guide from the International Dyslexia Association for parents and families. * Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know [https://www.dyslexiala.org/resource-library?utm_source=chatgpt.com] – Practical guidance for educators on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. * SAGE Handbook of Dyslexia [https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/the-sage-handbook-of-dyslexia/book231027?utm_source=chatgpt.com] – Research-based resource for a deeper understanding of dyslexia and related learning differences. * State Dyslexia Handbooks (for policies, screening, and interventions): * Texas Dyslexia Handbook [https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/thedyslexiahandbookupdates2021.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Colorado Dyslexia Handbook [https://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped/dyslexiahandbook?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Illinois Dyslexia Guide & Toolkit [https://dscc.uic.edu/dscc_resource/illinois-dyslexia-guide-a-handbook-for-parents-educators-and-students-and-dyslexia-toolkit/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * South Carolina Dyslexia Handbook [https://www.ed.sc.gov/instruction/early-learning-and-literacy/multi-tiered-system-of-supports-mtss/sc-dyslexia-handbook/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] * Assistive Technology Tools: * Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/Windows * Word Prediction: Co:Writer, Ghotit * Graphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google Drawings * Downloadable Handouts: * Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with Dysgraphia [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xTTYZdqSvE6rAN9PMW7aGPr-wU7x-PJ8/view?usp=sharing] * Teacher Handout: Classroom Strategies & Accommodations [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IzbfzE-duHL3AcE8lQ167TWANgqbWbcC/view?usp=sharing]