RSETASCDyslexiaIn this entry, I pick up from my previous blog on the federal memo and the use of the term “dyslexia.” Many have heard the term but are unclear about exactly what it means. Here’s what I found on Understood.org, a website operated and managed by the National Center for Learning Disabilities.

About dyslexia:

  • Dyslexia is a common condition that affects the way the brain processes written and spoken language and is primarily associated with trouble reading.
  • It’s often characterized by delays and difficulties with connecting letters to sounds (phonics) and sounding out words (decoding).
  • Individuals with dyslexia have problems recognizing familiar words at a glance (sight words).
  • They also have difficulty understanding what was just read (comprehension) because they get bogged down sounding out words. This interrupts the flow of information and makes it harder to understand and relate the new material to what they already know.
  • Common strategies teachers use to help students with dyslexia include using a multisensory approach to link listening, speaking, reading and writing, and having them repeat directions back to the teacher.
  • According to the National Reading Panel (2007) individuals with dyslexia require explicit, direct and systematic instruction in both oral and written language… To learn more about this, check out the Explicit and Specially Designed Instruction page of this website.