21 March 2020
 Categories: Education & Development, Blog

Dyslexia is a common neurological disorder that affects the ability to read, write, and learn. While it is usually frustrating for dyslexic students to experience difficulty in doing these things, their condition should not be confused with intellectual disabilities. Teachers of dyslexic students may also experience frustration at first, wondering why some students excel in certain areas, but have trouble reading or spelling. If you are a teacher who is seeking to more effectively guide the instruction of dyslexic students, keep reading below for three things to keep in mind.

Be Patient

Teachers who may not have had dyslexic students before, or are misinformed about what exactly dyslexia entails, may quickly become impatient in the classroom. They may also assume (incorrectly) that dyslexia can be outgrown. In a worst case scenario, they may even accuse a student of being lazy or less intelligent than other students. This can not only severely limit the progress of a student, it can serve as huge blow to their self-esteem. Instead, teachers should practice patience in the classroom, taking note of the student's disorder and following the relevant best practices. Speaking with a dyslexic student's parents about what strategies work at home can also be productive.

Use Appropriate Accommodations

In an educational setting, an accommodation can be defined as anything that changes the way a student learns. Ideally, this serves to provide them equal access to learning opportunities. Because students who have dyslexia often struggle with reading fluency and comprehension, a common accommodation may involve having the student listen to an audiobook instead of reading it in the more traditional sense. Remember that, if an accommodation is made, it shouldn't fundamentally change what the student is learning, but simply the method through which they do so. 

Conduct a Screener

If you suspect that a younger student may be dyslexic, but has yet to be diagnosed, then it may be best to suggest a screener. A school age dyslexia screener evaluates students based on the frequency of common dyslexic markers, including difficulty spelling, difficulty with phonics, or sometimes — in very young learners — difficulty learning the names of letters. All school districts should have screeners ready to be given by a specialist with the permission of a parent. The results of a given screener can then guide an individual education plan (or IEP) so that instruction and student evaluation can be modified when necessary.   

For more information, contact an academy that offers education for dyslexic learners such as the Academy Atlanta.