Dyslexia District

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 Symptom Comparison

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- Dr. Mark Seidenberg - Language at the Speed of Sight - https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx- Dr. Louisa Moats - https://louisamoats.com/- Mississippi Reading Improvements News - https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains- The Lilly Endowment Literacy Brief - https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief- Georgetown TX Literacy Gains (49%-64%) - https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains- Tennessee district literacy case study - https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost- Kentucky structured literacy review - https://bit.ly/ky-literacy

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👉 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?

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• Section 504 overview — U.S. Dept. of Education • Practical brief: Partnering with Families through Special Education • Joyce Epstein’s Framework of Six Types of Involvement • Meta-analyses & reviews on parental involvement & student outcomes• ⁠Meeting Email Script⁠• ⁠Meeting Prep Checklist⁠• ⁠IEP vs 504 side-by-side⁠

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.ResourcesIDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know – A comprehensive guide from the International Dyslexia Association for parents and families.Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know – Practical guidance for educators on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia.SAGE Handbook of Dyslexia – Research-based resource for a deeper understanding of dyslexia and related learning differences.State Dyslexia Handbooks (for policies, screening, and interventions):Texas Dyslexia HandbookColorado Dyslexia HandbookIllinois Dyslexia Guide & ToolkitSouth Carolina Dyslexia HandbookAssistive Technology Tools:Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/WindowsWord Prediction: Co:Writer, GhotitGraphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google DrawingsDownloadable Handouts:Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with DysgraphiaTeacher Handout: Classroom Strategies & Accommodations

In this episode of Dyslexia District, we explore how to recognize the early signs of dyslexia in children—from preschool through early elementary school. Learn what to look for, how to respond, and why early intervention matters. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers practical insights to help every child thrive.Topics Covered:What dyslexia is (and isn’t)Early warning signs in young childrenClassroom indicators and teacher strategiesHow parents can advocate for supportCommon myths and misconceptionsHelpful Resources:International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Basicshttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/    Understood.org – Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ageshttps://www.understood.org/en/search-results?query=signs%20of%20dyslexia Reading Rockets – Helping Struggling Readers https://www.readingrockets.org/helping-all-readers/why-some-kids-struggle National Center on Improving Literacy – Dyslexia Toolkithttps://www.improvingliteracy.org/dyslexia Subscribe, share, and join us in building a community where every learner is supported and understood.

In today’s episode, we explore the evolving definition of dyslexia, including the current and proposed IDA definitions. We uncover common myths, clarify misconceptions, and spotlight the latest research (2020–2025) on brain networks, genetics, and early detection.Helpful links:Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basicsIDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdfProposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-commentfMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/fullNetwork Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-yScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htmNew Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0JAMA – Infants at Risk Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797787

Let's take a look at recent research regarding Dysgraphia and what it means for our students.

Instead of focusing on deficits and weaknesses, let's take some time to focus on the strengths students with dyslexia possess.

Ever wonder why students with dyslexia often have difficulty getting organized, prioritizing tasks, or keeping up with their stuff? It may be because of their executive functioning!

Join me as I take a deep dive into reading comprehension. We'll look at the following questions: What is reading comprehension? Why is it important? How can we target it effectively? Reading Fluency Hot Sheet - https://www.teachingld.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DLD_FluencyHotSheet3.pdf Reading Comprehension Hot Sheet - https://www.teachingld.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/DLD_ReadingComp_HS4_rev21.pdf

Take a close look at reading fluency with me. What is it, why does it matter, and how do we improve it? "Reading Fluency: The Neglected Key to Reading Success" by Timothy Rasinski - https://tinyurl.com/5n7exkxu "The Method of Repeated Readings" by S. Jay Samuels - https://tinyurl.com/mrm8sk4f "Fluency: A review of developmental and remedial practices." by Melanie R. Kuhn & Steven A. Stahl - https://tinyurl.com/eedn2x85

Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem... our students walk through our doors with a wide variety of difficulties. So, how do we help them? How do we build them up? Join me as I share tips and tricks to help our students reduce the effects of stress in their daily lives. "The Labels We Carry" - https://youtu.be/hNS_D-pw8y4?si=J4-MYwk0tHIxP9kX Square Breathing - https://surreyschoolsone.ca/parents/all-learning-ideas/square-breathing 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding - https://www.calm.com/blog/5-4-3-2-1-a-simple-exercise-to-calm-the-mind#:~:text=What%20is%20the%2054321%20method,1%20thing%20you%20can%20taste. Growth Mindset - https://www.renaissance.com/edword/growth-mindset/#:~:text=Growth%20mindset%3A%20%E2%80%9CIn%20a%20growth,Dweck%2C%202015)

What does current research have to say about dyslexia? Are advances being made in this area? LINKS Eye Tracking Research - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1lShm41AWEGSKal7ARVfYy_nAh0Fi_KhL/view?usp=sharing IDA - ⁠https://dyslexiaida.org/do-special-fonts-help-people-with-dyslexia/⁠ Fonts - Italy - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1VECFUwC3AaJBS3Qf213zSbCsplUT288J/view?usp=sharing Fonts - Macedonia - https://drive.google.com/file/d/18cLq_QzsCB_0avRCCIRQc10Fdx_lmOT_/view?usp=sharing

What things should be considered when determining if an Emergent Bilingual student has dyslexia? Is it the same as determining if a native English speaker has dyslexia? What's the difference? Also, find out why the English language has words that start with "wh".

What makes the English language so hard to read and write? Listen along as I take you on a brief history of the English language and why there are so many variations in spelling and pronunciation. Click the links below to hear what English sounded like long ago: Old English (Anglo-Saxon) - https://bit.ly/3SYb1DR Middle English (Anglo-Norman) - https://bit.ly/49dRapS Shakespeare's English (Early Modern) - https://bit.ly/42GTXVS

What is dyslexia? Let's break apart the accepted definitions of dyslexia and talk about what happens in the brains of people who have it. The Dyslexia Handbook (TX) The International Dyslexia Association - dyslexiaida.org

What is assistive technology and how can it help students with dyslexia and dysgraphia?

Let’s take a look at 10 popular myths surrounding dyslexia & set the record straight. A Rose Tinted Cure - Article

What happens in the brains of people with dyslexia when they read? fMRI scans have been able to tell us a lot and the results might surprise you.

Can Dyselxia impact a person's abilities in Math? Absolutely! Listen to find out how. Check out more information regarding Dyselxia and how it can affect Math performance by following the links below. Yale Center for Dyselxia and Creativity Article - Math:Processing Breakdowns

Join me as I break down dyslexia into kid-friendly terms.

What is dysgraphia, how do we test for it, and what can we do to help our students?

504 and Special Education as well as Accommodations and Modifications are often used interchangeably. However, they mean very different things. Join me as I break them down to hopefully make them easier to understand. email - [email protected] Music by Stockaudios from Pixabay

In today’s episode, we’ll be talking about some of the struggles students with dyslexia face and how a positive mindset can help. For more information on Growth Mindset check out Dr. Carol Dweck's book "Mindset" and her TED Talk "Developing a Growth Mindset".

What does dyslexia intervention look like? We'll take a peek at standard protocol instruction, the components of dyslexia instruction, who can teach it, and what generally happens during intervention sessions.

Join me as I discuss the components of effective instructional strategies for dyslexia and how you can use those same ideas to help your child at home

In this episode, I explain the assessment process, the implications of the assessment, and how a determination is made.

We're looking into the basics of dyslexia. Join me as I dive into what dyslexia is, what happens in the brain, and some basic characteristics of dyslexia.