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.

Resources

• IDA 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 Handbook

  • Colorado Dyslexia Handbook

  • Illinois Dyslexia Guide & Toolkit

  • South Carolina Dyslexia Handbook

• Assistive Technology Tools:

  • Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/Windows

  • Word Prediction: Co:Writer, Ghotit

  • Graphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google Drawings

• Downloadable Handouts:

  • Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with Dysgraphia

  • Teacher 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 children

• Classroom indicators and teacher strategies

• How parents can advocate for support

• Common myths and misconceptions

Helpful Resources:

• International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Basics

• https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/    

• Understood.org – Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ages

• https://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 Toolkit

• https://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:

1. Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics
2. IDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdf
3. Proposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-comment
4. fMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/full
5. Network Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2
6. Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-y
7. ScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htm
8. New Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0
9. JAMA – 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)