Catherine Scholl brings a unique and personal perspective to educational advocacy, which isrooted in her extensive experience with special education. In addition to being a non-attorney special education advocate, Catherine is a former special education teacher and parent to children with learning disabilities. She is also CERI/IDA Certified and holds an Orton Gillingham Teacher Graduate Certification from Fairleigh Dickenson University. In this episode, Catherinedives deep into the definition of dyslexia and discusses what evaluations help determine whether a student exhibits signs of a learning disability. 

Key Takeaways:

• According to the International Dyslexia Association, “dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities.”

• Evaluations that help to uncover specific learning disabilities such as dyslexia include the Wechsler Individual Achievement Test, Fourth Edition; Comprehensive Test of Phonological Processing, Second Edition; Test of Written Language, Fourth Edition; and the Gray Oral Reading Test, Fifth Edition.

• The data drives the plan [individualized education plan]. 

• “If you are concerned at all that your child is struggling with reading, it is imperative that you address it quickly.” 

• “Early detection and appropriate intervention are the keys to successful remediation.”

Links from the episode:

• International Dyslexia Association

• Contact Catherine Scholl