Dyslexia is a learning difficulty that affects the ability to read, write, and spell. Educators and parents need to understand how to support students with dyslexia effectively. Hinze and Thompson Edventures, an education consulting business based in Iowa, is a valuable resource for providing guidance on this topic.
One of the key strategies for supporting students with dyslexia is using a structured literacy approach to learning. The Iowa Department of Education's webpage on dyslexia is your first stop for information and the state is committed to developing guidance, tools, and resources that detail the elements of explicit and systematic literacy instruction for students with dyslexia/characteristics of dyslexia. Read What is Structured Literacy? from the International Dyslexia Association (IDA).
Another important aspect of supporting students with dyslexia is providing them with personalized learning opportunities. This might include offering additional time for assignments, providing audiobooks or text-to-speech software, and breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. By tailoring instruction to meet the individual needs of each student, educators can help them succeed academically and build confidence in their abilities. The International Dyslexia Association has many fact sheets on dyslexia that we encourage you to review.
In addition to supporting students, teachers must have access to resources and professional development opportunities that can enhance their understanding of dyslexia and how to support students effectively. Hinze and Thompson Edventures offer a range of services, including in-person and online webinars, courses, and tutoring, that can help educators and students improve their skills and better meet the needs of students with characteristics of dyslexia. To get started we recommend the Iowa Reading Research Center's Dyslexia Modules. Many teachers are required to complete the IRRC Dyslexia Overview Module. We highly recommend also completing the Understanding and Observing the Literacy Skills Associated With Dyslexia Module. These are high-quality modules free for any Iowa educator. If you are looking to take a course, check out Teaching Students with Dyslexia coming this fall through ISEA.
If you are a parent the Decoding Dyslexia Iowa website is the place for you to go and learn more. They aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children, and influence policymakers and educators on best practices to identify, remediate, and support Iowa students with dyslexia. As we strive to create more inclusive learning environments for all students, it is essential to demystify dyslexia and provide the necessary support strategies for both students and teachers. By utilizing a structured literacy approach, offering personalized learning opportunities, and accessing valuable resources and professional development, we can empower students with dyslexia to reach their full potential and achieve academic success.
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