Challenges For Dyslexic Entrepreneurs
Challenges For Dyslexic Entrepreneurs
Blog Article
Individualized Education Plans IEPs for Dyslexia
Students with dyslexia often receive services through an Individualized Education Plan IEP or a 504 plan. IEPs are developed through a process of identifying your child’s needs, setting appropriate goals, creating individualized strategies and accommodations, and conducting regular evaluation and review.
IEPs offer specially designed instruction, accommodations and modifications to bridge the gap between your child’s literacy abilities and grade level expectations. This article discusses how to prepare for your child’s IEP meeting.
Identifying Your Child’s Needs
IEPs are designed to support students by identifying their unique needs, setting appropriate goals, creating individualized strategies and accommodations, and monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness. With the right supports, students with dyslexia can thrive academically.
A good IEP starts with a comprehensive evaluation report that describes your child’s current performance and skill levels, as well as how their dyslexia affects their access to the standard education curriculum. This should include formal assessments, anecdotal information, and feedback from teachers.
The IEP team will discuss your child’s evaluation findings and then set measurable short-term and annual goals. The goals should be specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
If you want, you can invite an advocate to the meeting. This can help ensure your voice is heard and a truly collaborative process takes place. Ideally, the meeting should also include a regular classroom teacher who can offer suggestions about how your child can progress through the standard education curriculum.
Developing the IEP
Getting an IEP in place is a step-by-step process that begins with gathering appropriate medical documentation and diagnostic assessments. Then, determining the student’s specific needs can begin. These include developing individualized strategies and accommodations that align with academic standards and curriculum, while also addressing the unique challenges of dyslexia.
In addition, the IEP team must consider the student’s strengths and interests. This helps increase engagement and motivation and increases the likelihood of achieving goals. dyslexia awareness month IEPs must also include clear, measurable, and time-based objectives for each area of need.
This requires a collaboration among parents, teachers, and specialists, including speech-language pathologists and reading specialists. The IEP team must meet regularly and discuss progress toward the child’s goals, with written reports sent home. Additionally, the IEP must be reviewed and evaluated every three years to assess its effectiveness. If it is not working, then the team must make adjustments or create a new plan. The goal is to create a supportive learning environment that empowers students to thrive.
Implementing the IEP
The IEP is legally binding and provides a roadmap to help your child succeed. The IEP includes a description of your child’s Present Levels of Performance, including a summary of current academic progress, and annual goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound (SMART).
Parents can take a strong role in an IEP team meeting by providing valuable insight into their student’s strengths and challenges. Teachers and specialists also contribute a wealth of knowledge about how to address students’ needs. By working together, parents, teachers, and specialists can help develop an IEP that is truly effective.
It’s helpful to remember that the IEP process was created to involve parents and advocates at every step of the way. This ensures that the process is collaborative and that you are heard. In addition, the IEP guidelines provide processes for disputing or changing an IEP if necessary. It is important to understand your rights and ask questions, even if they are difficult.
Regular Evaluation and Review
Throughout the school year, an IEP team will monitor your child’s progress and make sure that his or her educational goals are being met. Often, an IEP will include specific interventions and accommodations related to your child’s reading difficulties (such as structured literacy instruction, read aloud instruction, dictation to scribe or speech to text and extended time on tests).
The IEP goal setting process requires collaboration between the student’s parents, teachers, and school district staff members. It also involves consulting with outside therapists, as needed.
As a parent, you are a key member of this team and should be expected to attend every IEP meeting. If possible, you should prepare a written report of your child’s strengths and needs before the IEP meeting. This will help facilitate a more productive dialogue, especially regarding the goals, accommodations and services that are being proposed. The more that you know about dyslexia and how it impacts your child, the more effectively you can advocate for his or her needs.