It may seem like I'm spending a lot of time talking about the mistakes that are being made in our IEP process while I really started this blog in order to talk about the subject of dyslexia.
There are some standard things I think I need to point out although this information is readily available from a variety of resources:
1. In the late 1980's schools changed the way they teach language. A version called "whole language" is what is currently being used by most schools. The way I learned reading as a kid (more phonics based teaching) is out the window. For some children whole language is faster but for a child with dyslexia it does not work.
2. An estimated 1 out of 5 people has dyslexia to some degree. The Good School says it could even be as high as a third of the population.
3. A child will not simply catch up by fourth grade (a common thing people said to us in Catholic School).
4. The problems with not having a diagnosis and attempting to teach in a different learning style as early as possible:
a. The child will not be able to keep up with others in their class and will fall behind.
b. The child will blame themself for not working hard enough and think it is their fault.
c. The child's self esteem will suffer. They will see their weakness not their strenghts.
d. The child will dislike school and the academic setting more than normal (high drop-out rate).
5. The dyslexic child is working four times harder in an average school day. If you combine school with extra tutoring then by fifth grade the child could be burnt-out.
6. Our already suffering school systems are ill prepared to give children with learning differences what they need. It really is up to us - the parents- to insist on the best for our child. To school administrators it's a job, to us it's our family's future. Keep your guard on!
So there are a few things about how important this subject is.
Catch it early and treat it early.
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