Description

Even when families and teachers advocate for struggling readers, systemic blind spots in Special Education can lead to misdiagnosis, mislabeling, and emotional harm. In this episode, we examine how children with dyslexia are frequently misidentified as having behavioral or attention issues, the consequences of delayed intervention, and how parents and teachers can navigate the system to ensure children receive the instruction and support they need.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Jeanine Phillips shares a story illustrating how evidence-based programs are often inaccessible despite their potential to prevent misdiagnosis.

• Parents Jen Barrett and Sarah Collins, teachers Joyce Temanson and Brooke Hammond, and psychologist Dr. Janelle Tidemann share their perspectives on the emotional and academic toll of mislabeling children.

• Insights from experts like Timothy Odegard on the importance of advocacy and documentation to translate legislation into real classroom impact.

• Strategies for parents and educators to recognize dyslexia, request screenings, and ensure children get evidence-based instruction.

Call to Action:

• Parents: Trust your instincts, document concerns, request evaluations, and advocate persistently. You are the expert on your child.

• Teachers: Seek training in structured literacy and evidence-based reading instruction. Your knowledge and advocacy can prevent misdiagnosis and support children effectively.

• Advocates & Policymakers: Help bridge the gap between policy and practice by mentoring parents, sharing resources, and ensuring laws are implemented with fidelity.

• Subscribe to continue following Season 3 to learn how families and educators overcome systemic barriers and build models that serve every child.

Sources & References:

• Dehaene, S. (2017, May 12). How the brain learns to read [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25GI3-kiLdo 
• International Dyslexia Association. (2023). Effective reading instruction and dyslexia identification resources. https://dyslexiaida.org/
• Kansas State Department of Education. (2023). Dyslexia recognition and support resources.https://www.ksde.org/Agency/Division-of-Learning-Services/Special-Education
• Odegard, T. N., Hall, C., & Kloberdanz, K. (2025). Literacy legislation in practice: Implementation, impact, and emerging lessons. Annals of Dyslexia.
• PFLC Parent Advocacy Resources
• Phillips, J., Bryant, B., & Glover, J. (2025). Personal communications and parent advocacy experiences.
• The Brain Prize. (2016, November 1). The Brain Prize presents: Stanislas Dehaene [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlYZBi_07vk
• The SPED Boss Parent Advocacy Resources

 

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