Our Goals
Decoding Dyslexia – NJ is a grassroots movement driven by NJ families concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within our public schools. We aim to raise dyslexia awareness, empower families to support their children and inform policy-makers on best practices to identify, remediate and support students with dyslexia in NJ public schools.
We advocate for:
- Expanded and improved access to early screening tests for dyslexia
- Mandatory dyslexia remediation programs, which can be accessed by both general and special education populations
- Access to appropriate “assistive technologies” in the public school setting for students with dyslexia
Goals we have achieved to date:
- A universal definition and understanding of “dyslexia” in the state education code (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-1.3)
- Mandatory teacher training on dyslexia, its warning signs and appropriate intervention strategies (N.J.S. 18A:6-131)
- Mandatory early screening tests for dyslexia (N.J.S. 18A:40-5.1, et seq.)
- Spreading awareness and offering families a variety of opportunities to connect, share experiences, and gain insights and resources:
- A Facebook Page reaching over 8,000 followers
- Parent/educator workshops and events
- Community roundtable discussions
- Parent networking sessions after our monthly business meetings
DD-NJ Advocacy in Action!
DD-NJ with Timothy Lynagh, Deputy Chief of Staff & Legislative Director for Rep Christopher Smith (NJ)
resent
DD-NJ with former US Representative Rush Holt (NJ)
DD-NJ with Brendan Hennessey, Legislative Assistant for Representative Frank Pallone (NJ)
Dr. Maryanne Wolf: "In our work, each happy reader is happy because they have learned the skills necessary to become a fully comprehending reader. It may be tempting to assume each unhappy (struggling) reader is different, but each has been impeded by not having mastered some or many of the same basic skills." Read on for why the teacher-authors of this piece say teachers need to demand more from their prep programs and professional development as to how children learn to read so teachers can better address reading difficulties.
righttoreadproject.com/2020/05/27/every-child-is-unique-and-every-child-has-to-learn-the-same-ski...
So who watched that new dyslexia film and/or the live panel discussion last night. What did you think?
UPDATE to the Our Dyslexic Kids film viewing tomorrow. Streaming starts at 12:00pm ET on YouTube (not just anytime as posted previously), and will be available unlimited from that time on (days and weeks later).
Panel tomorrow night is still at 8:00pm and shown live, but a recording of it will be available later.
Here are the links again:
To watch film:
Thursday, May 21, starting at 12:00pm
youtu.be/oJ7xa6meD2Q. (available unlimited after then)
Panel discussion:
Please also register for the 8pm EDT panel (see image for panelist):
osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1XrKoyESj69NdmHg99IGQ
If you would like to submit questions for the panel, please do so by emailing them to OurDyslexicChildren@gmail.com
THURS MAY 21st - New dyslexia related film release
"Our Dyslexic Children"
The story:
In 2010, a group of parents in a suburban school district near Columbus, Ohio discovered their children had something in common - they could not read. Together they filed a systemic, group complaint with the Ohio Department of Education and the district was found in violation. Then, they formed a partnership with the district and now work shoulder to shoulder to deliver the nationally recognized early literacy program they built together. This film was made to offer a roadmap for parents to advocate on behalf of all children. (see their website for more of their story, ourdyslexicchildren.com)
To watch film:
View the film anytime beginning on Thursday, May 21 at youtu.be/oJ7xa6meD2Q.
Panel discussion:
Please also register for the 8pm EDT panel (see image for panelist):
osu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__1XrKoyESj69NdmHg99IGQ
If you would like to submit questions for the panel, please do so by emailing them to OurDyslexicChildren@gmail.com
Many parents and caregivers, recently pressed into service to keep lessons going at home, might be getting a new look at their child's reading skills. The popular "strategies" taught in school are not supported by research, and are in fact, the strategies of weak readers. Teacher Lindsay Kemeny writes "It is unfortunate that most of us have not had access to this knowledge. And worse, have been taught ways that are not in line with what cognitive scientists have learned about reading and the brain." Read her piece here:
thelearningspark.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-7-deadly-errors-of-teaching-reading.html
ATTN NJ Educators: Free Tutoring Services for Children with Dyslexia in South Jersey Locations
The Children’s Dyslexia Centers, funded through the generosity of the Scottish Rite Masons, provide intensive reading instruction to children grades 1 –12, with dyslexia. The children receive one-on-one instruction twice a week after school which allows for the instruction to be tailored to each individual child’s needs. A diagnosis from a Child Study Team or outside qualified examiner documenting a diagnosis of dyslexia or presenting test results reflecting a diagnostic profile of dyslexia is required. The Centers provide reading instruction using the multisensory Orton Gillingham approach, also known as a structured literacy approach, which includes direct, explicit teaching of phonics. The instruction is provided at no cost to families except for a modest registration fee. An admission application and report of the professional evaluation help us determine if our approach would be appropriate for the child.
There are two Children’s Dyslexia Centers in South Jersey – one is located in Burlington and the other in Northfield. If you are interested in referring a child for these services, have parents request a Child Admission Application by calling our Central Office at 201-288-1183 or e-mailing masoniclearningcenters@verizon.net.
The Centers are now accepting applications for Fall 2020. In keeping with State guidelines for sheltering in place, they are currently offering services online through the end of the school year. They hope to provide in-person instruction in the Fall, but will comply with State and Scottish Rite Masons policy on this matter.
Learning Ally is once again hosting their Spotlight on Dyslexia online conference on
Friday, June 5th.
Live from 9:00am-4:00pm ET.
Watch live or on-demand through September 30, 2020 to earn up to 16 CE certificates
Two keynote speakers, Dr Anita Archer & Emily Hanford plus 14 other speakers.
Use the promo code SPOD20DB to get $20 off
Registration: learningally.org/Dyslexia-Conference/Spotlight-on-Dyslexia
Virtual Dyslexia Conference - Spotlight on Dyslexia - Webinar
learningally.org
Learning Ally's annual online dyslexia conference, Spotlight on Dyslexia, features webinars and programs by dyslexia experts. Learn more about dyslexia.Check us out on Instagram!
