2023 Updates

Proposed OH budget allotments to fund state literacy initiatives have been announced. The OH Dyslexia Guidebook plan for screening, intervention, and remediation of children with dyslexia or displaying dyslexic characteristics and tendencies goes into effect for the 2023-24 school year.

As reported on Cleveland.com:

Recently I read a blog post by a mom who was describing how overwhelmed she was feeling after her child received a diagnosis of dyslexia. She wasn’t necessarily overwhelmed with emotion, but instead she was overwhelmed by the amount of information she had to sift through to figure out the best thing to do for her child. In the age of surging dyslexia awareness, there are endless articles and blog posts by other parents, professionals, and everyone in between. There are advertisements promising impressive results in small periods of time. There is advice from friends and neighbors that often includes suggesting what worked for their children. This avalanche of information can be conflicting and confusing. It is difficult to discern good, quality advice from snake oil and “quick fixes.” So, let’s unpack all the information that parents, new to the dyslexia, need to know.

Trust Your Instinct

Remember that you know your child better than anyone. When your instinct is telling you that something isn’t right for your child, it probably isn’t. Keep an eye out for those who promise you a specific amount of progress in a specific amount of time. Your gut should tell you that this is impossible without meeting your child and without understanding how dyslexia is affecting him or her. If you are feeling pressured to sign a contract or pay an exorbitant amount up front, sleep on it. The important point here is that dyslexia affects each individual differently and those differences necessitate individualized approaches and the decision of whom to trust is a big one.

Please watch this CBS Sunday Morning segment to learn about dyslexia and why we advocate for the early identification and appropriate instruction for ALL struggling readers.

You may or may not be aware of a letter from 57 backers of balanced literacy sent to officials of the Public Broadcasting System, taking issue with the way PBS covered the topic of dyslexia. The letter is now in wide distribution and is being promoted by Reading Recovery as well as the ILA and its state organizations. If it hasn’t come to your state or been sent to your legislators, it will be.

The letter is a rehash of lies, but this time we’re fighting back and exposing their dishonesty. Attached, you will find my point by point reply, including the letter to PBS and other documents. Please share this widely so you and your members are equipped to expose this dishonest letter for what it is, whenever they encounter it.

Smooth seas don’t make for skillful sailors.
~ Author Unknown

One undeniable fact is that, in most cases, having dyslexia makes life more difficult.

During the school-age years, students with dyslexia generally

• have to work harder to be successful
• struggle with self-esteem
• tend to be seen by their teachers as less cooperative and less attentive than their classmates

In adulthood, those with dyslexia often