Dyslexia Advocacy for Parents, Part 1: Gathering Data and Documenting Concerns

The episode launches a new advocacy-focused mini series focused what parents can do when schools say a child’s reading and spelling are “fine" even when a parent knows it's not. Michelle explains why the process is frustrating, how parents can move it forward without waiting on the school, and why school staff may share incomplete or distorted policy information.

This episode emphasizes gathering data: finding out what tiered supports (RTI/MTSS tiers 1–3) are in place, what decisions and district procedures guide movement between tiers, and why a child should not remain in tier 3 without next steps such as considering an IEP. The host urges parents to document concerns and conversations in writing, request cited policies, ask clarifying questions about discrepancies, and scrutinize screeners and reading levels for what they actually measure. A free parent dyslexia screener is also mentioned, and the next episode will cover the referral meeting.

Want more information like what you heard in this podcast? The Dyslexia Advocacy Toolkit with eBook can be found HERE.

00:00 Welcome and Series Intro

00:59 Why Advocacy Matters

02:39 Schools and Policy Myths

04:42 Start With Tiered Supports

10:31 When an IEP Applies

14:43 Document Everything in Writing

21:35 Staying Calm and Being Heard

24:53 Screeners and Reading Data

29:00 Reading Levels and Skill Proof

32:13 Wrap Up and Next Steps