IDA's mission is to create a future for all individuals who struggle with dyslexia and other related reading differences so that they may have richer, more robust lives and access to the tools and resources they need. GA.DyslexiaIDA.org

Join us on Saturday, October 16, in-person or virtually, for the 2021 Dyslexia Dash.

Registration is OPEN! Go to https://runsignup.com/Race/GA/Atlanta/DyslexiaDash

Interested in Dash Sponsorship? Check out the 2021 Sponsorship Opportunities.

Funds raised from the IDA's annual Dyslexia Dash 5K enable IDA-GA to provide scholarships and grants for teacher training and dyslexia awareness initiatives.

For details about teacher training opportunities and how to apply for scholarships and grants, visit https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/parent-and-teacher-training/

William Van Cleave passed away unexpectedly on April 20 at the age of 52. William was a nationally known expert in the field of dyslexia education. He traveled far and wide sponsoring workshops, training sessions, and conferences. The people whose lives he impacted number in the thousands.

William's mighty mentor and good friend was the legendary Diana King, who is pictured here in the photo with William at the age of 90. Diana passed away in 2018, and it was William who wrote her obituary.

In 2000, Diana wrote the book English Isn't Crazy. William worked tirelessly over the years to preach that "ENGLISH ISN'T CRAZY" message to educators. Listen to William's words at the end of this tribute from Ohio eductors.

Thank you to Pam Kastner (pictured below) for creating a William Van Cleave Collection. It is our hope that educators from around the world will visit this collection often and continue to learn from one of the greats.

Here at IDA-GA we often hear from parents who talk about feeling alone and confused about the steps to take to help their child. Dyslexia parent networks on Facebook offer the opportunity to chat with other parents in the community who are facing or have faced some of the same struggles. Check out the page on our website which lists Community Support Groups for Parents of children with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences. Find a Georgia community near you and request to join. Not every child with dyslexia has the same profile, not every family has the same dynamics, not every teacher has the same training, and not every school is set up in the exact same way, but if you can keep that in mind as you read the comments, you will likely find many helpful tips in the parent-to-parent advice.

The Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy is now offering a Professional Virtual Learning Series to help educators learn more about the science of reading (SoR) directly from experts in the field. The following recordings of live presentations given through April 29 are available for viewing now:

Words, Words, and More Words: Oral Language Foundations for Literacy

By Dr. Lucy Hart Paulson

How Neuroscience Can Teach Us about Language and Reading in the Developing Brain

By Dr. Lama K. Farran, Ph.D., CCC-SLP

Supporting Language and Vocabulary Development for Early Learners

By Dr. Susan J Chambre

Phonemic Awareness and Proficiency: Sound Instruction Foundational for Skilled Reading

By Dr. Pam Kastner

A Road Map to the On Ramp of Sight Word Automaticity

Dr. Mary Dahlgren

Decodable Text: Text Tools for Building Skilled Readers

Dr. Pam Kastner

On May 5, Jan Hasbrouck, Ph.D. presented "Understanding, Assessing, and Developing Reading Fluency." The recording of this Deal Center presentation will be posted soon.

Many educators use the Hasbrouck and Tindel (updated 2017) Words Correct Per Minute Oral Reading Fluency Norms chart to gauge how well students are doing with reading fluency.

Dr. Hasbrouck explains that lack of fluency leads to lack of motivation which means fewer words read which means a smaller vocabulary which leads to limited comprehension!

A common misconception is that reading fast means fluent reading. Teachers and parents need to understand that accuracy precedes automaticity. Accuracy is the FOUNDATION of fluency. Do not ask a non-automatic reader to read faster and faster. This could be detrimental to their progress.

Jan Hasbrouck emphasizes, "Fluency may be defined as reasonably accurate reading, at an appropriate rate, with suitable expression, that leads to accurate and deep comprehension and motivation to read."

The recording of Dr. Hasbrouck's eloquent presentation is expected to be posted on May 19 in the Deal Center's video collection.

On May 4, Governor Kemp signed two education bills, SB 88 and SB 59.

Included in SB 88 is the requirement that the Professional Standards Commission establish standards and procedures for alternative and nontraditional teacher certification programs.

SB 88 also provides additional coaching and mentoring for new teachers and teachers who need assistance to be effective in the classroom.

In addition, SB 88 adds undergraduate and graduate education courses for differentiated and literacy instruction.

While we celebrate this, we must be cautious. Interested parties should reach out to the members of the Board of Regents and rally for oversight of course offerings and program approvals to ensure that Structured Literacy instruction and the Science of Reading are addressed in all courses and that the coaching and mentoring also aligns with the Science of Reading and Structured Literacy practices.

We have been compiling a list of 2021 summer camps that offer an opportunity for students to connect with one another while receiving structured literacy instruction.

Email us at info@idaga.org and include SUMMER 2021 in the subject line if you know of others. Thank you for your assistance in helping us help others!