Improving Instruction to Help Your Child
You may have heard about a new process called Response to Intervention (RTI), which is being introduced in many schools throughout the country. If you have not heard of it, it may be coming to your community. The purpose of the program is to provide a safety net for at-risk readers, some of whom have learning disabilities. The idea is to catch students when they begin to struggle. RTI supports their success through scientific, research based instruction. The child is tested to see how well the instruction works.
As it is implemented, parents are wondering how it impacts their child with a learning disability, particularly when the child has a learning disability or is involved in special education.
The National Association of School Psychologists provided LD OnLine
with Response to Intervention (RTI): A Primer For Parents to help you understand the new program and how it might impact your child. The article includes the essential components of RTI, key terms, and a guide to your involvement.
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AdLit.org Is Here!
If you work or live with adolescents who struggle with reading, have we got news for you! We've just launched AdLit.org, our new sister site for parents and educators of kids in grades 4-12. AdLit.org is your source for adolescent literacy material for parents, practitioners, and all people who want students to be better readers and writers.
You'll find articles, information for the classroom, tips for parents, book recommendations, author interviews, a blog, and a free monthly e-newsletter called "Word Up!" The project is funded by Carnegie Corporation of New York and by the Ann B. and Thomas L. Friedman Family Foundation. Read the section on learning disabilities.
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The Positive Side of LD
People with learning disabilities have much to offer their families, their community, their workplace, and themselves. Every November, LD OnLine asks its community to give us examples of The Positive Side of LD. We have many of your stories in the article — along with some stories from celebrities.
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For High School Students Searching for Scholarships
Deadlines are approaching fast for talented high school students with learning disabilities. The Ann Ford Scholarship Competition closes December 31, 2007. The National Center for Learning Disabilities gives this award annually to a high school senior who is applying to college and is willing to be a role model for people who have learning disabilities.
The 2008 Youth Achievement Award closes January 31, 2008. Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities gives the award to a high school or younger student with documented learning disabilities and/or ADHD who has achieved a notable accomplishment in any field — including art, science, math, athletics, or community service.
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Featured Articles
For All of Our Readers
- Stop Bullying Now
Take a stand and lend a hand against bullying. Children with ADD and LD are observed to be at risk for being bullied, which can impact their learning. Bullying Among Children and Youth with Disabilities and Special Needs tells you what you can do to help. The Stop Bullying Now! campaign offers a website, a video toolkit DVD, and other materials that will support you in preventing bullying.
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For Parents
- Attending Meetings to Plan Your Child's Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Here are some steps you can take to be effective at your child's IEP meeting:
- List your child's strengths, needs, and interests.
- Think about how your child's disability affects his or her education.
- During the meeting, assure that everyone keeps the meeting focused on your child.
- Be a good listener.
- Review the plan after it is written.
For Teachers
- RTI and Reading: Response to Intervention in a Nutshell
This introductory article describes the basics of RTI and how it might be implemented in a specific school.
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For Adults with LD
- Dyslexia: Point of Pride or Flaw to Hide?
Should you talk about your learning disability or keep it private? This article discusses the negative and positive aspects of disclosure. Read about disclosure in the workplace, to friends, and to your students and clients.
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In the news
- McDreamy's Dyslexia Difficulties
- Help Distracted Children Focus in School with These Tips
- Sound Training Rewires Dyslexic Children's Brains For Reading
View more headlines in LD News >>
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Reach more than 200,000 parents and professionals each month. Since 1996, LD OnLine has been the number one source of trusted information for parents and professionals.
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All the best from LD OnLine!
- Noel Gunther, Executive Director
- Dale S. Brown, Senior Manager
- Katie Chase, Associate Editor
- Kelly Deckert, Web Producer
- Laurie Fry, Publicist
- Sun Kim, Web Coordinator
- Christian Lindstrom, Senior Producer
- Alan Lundy–Ponce, Director, Learning Media Websites
- Joanne Meier, Ph.D., Research Consultant
- Rachael Walker, Outreach Consultant
Newsletter Editor: Dale S. Brown