In this powerful episode, student advocate Eleanor Farquhar speaks openly about growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia, the emotional toll of struggling in school, and the moment assistive technology opened the door to learning. Her story offers families and educators an authentic look at why early, individualized access to tools can shape not only academic success, but self-worth and belonging.

Developed through years of collaboration with educators and families, the Connecticut State Department of Education's EL/ML Framework offers clear guidance for improving instruction and systems for multilingual learners, including those with dyslexia. In this episode, Maribel Olivero and Megan Alubicki, the CSDE leaders who developed the framework, explain its guiding principles, how districts will be supported in implementation, and what this work means for families and educators seeking more coherent, evidence-based literacy supports.

In this episode of RewirED, host Kristin Allen is joined by Goviana Morales, a bilingual consultant with the Connecticut Parent Advocacy Center (CPAC) and a leading voice for family engagement and equity in special education.

Drawing from her lived experience as a parent of children with disabilities and her professional work supporting Spanish-speaking families statewide, Morales shares how language access, cultural responsiveness, and authentic partnership between schools and families can fundamentally change outcomes for students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties. The conversation explores CPAC’s role as Connecticut’s Parent Training and Information Center, the layered supports it provides to families, and the critical importance of ensuring that families are informed, empowered, and meaningfully included in decision-making.

Educators, family liaisons, and advocates will gain practical insight into bridging communication gaps, strengthening collaboration, and moving from awareness to action so that every family feels seen, heard, and supported—and every child has the opportunity to learn to read and thrive.

In this episode of ODRD Rewired, host Kristin Allen speaks with Dr. Benitez and Mr. Pabón of the Connecticut Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents (CALAS) to explore how culturally grounded leadership, representation, and community partnership shape stronger, more inclusive schools. They share personal journeys into leadership, the unique strengths Latino administrators bring to education, the challenges created by today’s political climate, and the essential role of bilingualism and cultural identity in supporting students and families. The conversation also highlights how CALAS develops the next generation of leaders through mentorship, advocacy, and professional learning—showing why leadership rooted in equity, empathy, and authentic connection is vital for all learners.

In the debut episode of RewirED, the Connecticut State Department of Education's Lisa Gianni explores the newly developed Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies. Listeners will learn what structured literacy looks like in practice; how these evidence-based competencies are designed to strengthen educators’ confidence and effectiveness in supporting all learners; how this work moves beyond checklists and frameworks—serving as a catalyst for system-wide change that establishes a common language, a clear vision, and a pathway toward making Connecticut public schools the standard of excellence for students with dyslexia and other reading disabilities.

To learn more about the Structured Literacy and Dyslexia Competencies, go to https://portal.ct.gov/sde/office-of-dyslexia-and-reading-disabilities/educator-literacy-competencies