Working memory as dyslexia profile

[Kiki27]

Although my son has always had a diagnosis of dyslexia, upon arrival from private school to public school, they qualified him under his working memory deficit (which I always thought was a component of dyslexia). He is 15 and reading and performing math at a 6th grade level, 4 grade levels behind.

The school is proposing academic support but not supporting for reading. I would like to know what steps I should take to help the school understand his profile is that of a student with a reading disability, not a working memory disability.

In addition, is anyone familiar with dysleixa specialists in the Northeast who could review his records?

Thanks,
Kiki

[Mandy Horton Walker]

Dear Kiki,
Is your school following the RtI Model that is now being mandated?

Since schools are now having to follow the Response to Intervention (RtI) model, many are following student progress in Reading and Math to compare their progress or academic growth in multiple ways. With RtI, at my school, we track progress of the student throughout the school year, comparing their math and reading levels with their peers at school as well as comparing their levels with national norms. When we see gaps that are not being closed in either Math or Reading, whether or not the student has an IEP or 504 Plan, we begin planning or changing interventions to support the student's growth.

For example, if we do have a student who is considered to be weaker in Math, then that student receives instructional interventions in Math. Hopefully, and usually, the scores improve and we breathe easier while continuing that effective educational treatment. Meanwhile, we may see that same student start to have trouble with Reading, even though that had been a stronger area. If and when we see that gap developing, we plan an intervention, regardless of whether or not that appears on an IEP or 504 Plan.

There are 3 or 4 Tiers of Intervention with RtI, depending on your state or school district. As the interventions intensify, based on how the student responds to the various interventions being tried, then we begin to look at referring a student to testing and a staffing meeting to consider providing an IEP for the student, if all the Tiers of the RtI Framework have not provided sufficient support for the student to make learning gains.

I hope this helps you sort through your son's situation.

Mandy Horton Walker

[Mandy Horton Walker]

Additionally, I might add that you may find appropriate resources through the International Dyslexia Association website which has a list of accredited multisensory language programs and a list of certified multisensory language therapy providers who use accredited programs of instruction for students with dyslexia. Through those programs and providers, you may find someone who could help you sort through your testing and school planning situation. You might also call the offices of some of the accredited multisensory reading programs, who often keep lists of certified multisensory language therapists whom they have trained. I expect the NE region has many fine therapists!
Mandy Horton Walker