Post by title1parent on Sept 2, 2008 5:30:11 GMT -5
www.suburbanchicagonews.com/beaconnews/news/1138930,2_1_AU02_WESTCOL_S1.article
West emphasizing help for dyslexic students
September 2, 2008
By Mike Chapin WEST AURORA School DistRICT Community Relations Director
Ask several people to define "dyslexia," and it's likely you'll get different -- and misguided -- answers.
There are myths associated with the learning disability, and two West Aurora School District employees have led efforts in the district and beyond to dispel the misconceptions. Their work has spurred district educators to treat affected students in a more effective way.
Three common beliefs about dyslexia are that it is rare, it only has to do with reading and that those dealing with it read words backward.
All wrong.
Dyslexia is found, in varying degrees, among 17 to 20 percent of the population, said Lisa Svejda, a district psychologist. It tends to run in families.
Also, dyslexia is a language-processing disorder, and "reading is one way we take in language," Svejda said.
"It affects reading, spelling, early language as well as a child's ability to take in information. It's not that they don't understand, but it takes more time to process and they have a harder time remembering," Svejda said.
Some of the students are actually very skilled in other areas, but just weak in this one, she said.
Svejda received additional training in dyslexia two years ago and shortly thereafter started working with Crysta Morrissey, director of special education. Their changes took effect starting this past school year.
They increased communication between regular and special educators and introduced curriculum that both helps younger students who were struggling with the basics and reinforces skills in children who had more success.
The result, they hope, is to spur the struggling students to make early progress and avoid special education in later years.
"Our ultimate goal is to educate both staff and parents to notice early warning signs and address those before they turn into larger problems," Svejda said. "The best way to do that is for all of us to work together."
West emphasizing help for dyslexic students
September 2, 2008
By Mike Chapin WEST AURORA School DistRICT Community Relations Director
Ask several people to define "dyslexia," and it's likely you'll get different -- and misguided -- answers.
There are myths associated with the learning disability, and two West Aurora School District employees have led efforts in the district and beyond to dispel the misconceptions. Their work has spurred district educators to treat affected students in a more effective way.
Three common beliefs about dyslexia are that it is rare, it only has to do with reading and that those dealing with it read words backward.
All wrong.
Dyslexia is found, in varying degrees, among 17 to 20 percent of the population, said Lisa Svejda, a district psychologist. It tends to run in families.
Also, dyslexia is a language-processing disorder, and "reading is one way we take in language," Svejda said.
"It affects reading, spelling, early language as well as a child's ability to take in information. It's not that they don't understand, but it takes more time to process and they have a harder time remembering," Svejda said.
Some of the students are actually very skilled in other areas, but just weak in this one, she said.
Svejda received additional training in dyslexia two years ago and shortly thereafter started working with Crysta Morrissey, director of special education. Their changes took effect starting this past school year.
They increased communication between regular and special educators and introduced curriculum that both helps younger students who were struggling with the basics and reinforces skills in children who had more success.
The result, they hope, is to spur the struggling students to make early progress and avoid special education in later years.
"Our ultimate goal is to educate both staff and parents to notice early warning signs and address those before they turn into larger problems," Svejda said. "The best way to do that is for all of us to work together."