Dyslexia District

Kimberly Smith
  • 4.8 (6)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Breaking down dyslexia and related issues to help you better understand the world of dyslexia.

  1. FEB 5

    28. The Science of Reading: Teaching Reading the Way the Brain Learns

    The Science of Reading explained—why reading can be hard, what research shows, and how the right instruction helps kids succeed. Resources:- The National Reading Panel (2000) - https://bit.ly/reading-panel-report - Dr. Mark Seidenberg – Language at the Speed of Sight - https://a.co/d/0cF6Rujx - Dr. Louisa Moats - https://louisamoats.com/ - Mississippi Reading Improvements News - https://bit.ly/Mississippi_literacy_gains - The Lilly Endowment Literacy Brief - https://bit.ly/science-reading-brief - Georgetown TX Literacy Gains (49%-64%) - https://bit.ly/georgetown_literacy_gains - Tennessee district literacy case study - https://bit.ly/tn-literacy-boost - Kentucky structured literacy review - https://bit.ly/ky-literacy

    14 min

  2. 12/10/2025

    27. Dyslexia Supports That Work

    In this episode, we dive into what the research actually says about supporting students with dyslexia so they can thrive academically. We explore classroom practices, instructional methods, mindset shifts, and the most effective assistive technology tools used today for reading, writing, and executive-function support. This episode is perfect for educators, evaluators, parents, and literacy enthusiasts who want evidence-based strategies they can implement immediately. REFERENCES & HELPFUL LINKS 👉 Follow Dyslexia District for monthly deep dives into dyslexia, dysgraphia, structured literacy, and equitable classroom practices. 👉 Share this episode with a teacher, parent, or colleague who supports neurodiverse learners. Want more?

    14 min

  3. 11/12/2025

    26. Navigating IEPs and 504 Plans: Building Positive Partnerships

    Learn the key differences between IEPs and 504 plans and discover research-backed strategies for building positive school partnerships that help students thrive. A clear, compassionate guide for parents, educators, and anyone navigating special education. RESOURCES • Overview of IDEA — U.S. Department of Education • Section 504 overview — U.S. Dept. of Education • Practical brief: Partnering with Families through Special Education • Joyce Epstein’s Framework of Six Types of Involvement • Meta-analyses & reviews on parental involvement & student outcomes • ⁠Meeting Email Script⁠ • ⁠Meeting Prep Checklist⁠ • ⁠IEP vs 504 side-by-side⁠

    24 min

  4. 10/01/2025

    25. Understanding Dysgraphia

    Does your child avoid writing assignments, feel frustrated during homework, or struggle with handwriting that’s hard to read? These may be signs of dysgraphia, a learning difference that impacts written expression. In this episode of Dyslexia District, Kim Smith — educator and diagnostician — takes a deep, practical look at dysgraphia. You’ll hear how it presents in children, what recent research tells us, and what parents, teachers, and schools can do to provide effective support. Resources IDA Dyslexia Handbook: What Every Family Should Know – A comprehensive guide from the International Dyslexia Association for parents and families. Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know – Practical guidance for educators on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. SAGE Handbook of Dyslexia – Research-based resource for a deeper understanding of dyslexia and related learning differences. State Dyslexia Handbooks (for policies, screening, and interventions): Texas Dyslexia Handbook Colorado Dyslexia Handbook Illinois Dyslexia Guide & Toolkit South Carolina Dyslexia Handbook Assistive Technology Tools: Speech-to-Text: Dragon NaturallySpeaking, built-in dictation on iOS/Android/Windows Word Prediction: Co:Writer, Ghotit Graphic Organizers & Mind-Mapping: Inspiration, Google Drawings Downloadable Handouts: Parent Handout: Supporting Your Child with Dysgraphia Teacher Handout: Classroom Strategies & Accommodations

    16 min

  5. 09/08/2025

    24. Early Signs: What Parents & Teachers Need to Know

    In this episode of Dyslexia District, we explore how to recognize the early signs of dyslexia in children—from preschool through early elementary school. Learn what to look for, how to respond, and why early intervention matters. Whether you're a parent, teacher, or caregiver, this episode offers practical insights to help every child thrive. Topics Covered: What dyslexia is (and isn’t) Early warning signs in young children Classroom indicators and teacher strategies How parents can advocate for support Common myths and misconceptions Helpful Resources: International Dyslexia Association – Dyslexia Basics https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/     Understood.org – Signs of Dyslexia at Different Ages https://www.understood.org/en/search-results?query=signs%20of%20dyslexia  Reading Rockets – Helping Struggling Readers  https://www.readingrockets.org/helping-all-readers/why-some-kids-struggle  National Center on Improving Literacy – Dyslexia Toolkit https://www.improvingliteracy.org/dyslexia  Subscribe, share, and join us in building a community where every learner is supported and understood.

    10 min

  6. 08/19/2025

    23. What Dyslexia Is (and Isn't)

    In today’s episode, we explore the evolving definition of dyslexia, including the current and proposed IDA definitions. We uncover common myths, clarify misconceptions, and spotlight the latest research (2020–2025) on brain networks, genetics, and early detection. Helpful links: Current IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basicsIDA 2002 Definition (Reading Rockets PDF)https://www.readingrockets.org/sites/default/files/guide/IDA-Dyslexia-Handbook-2019.pdfProposed 2025 IDA Definitionhttps://dyslexiaida.org/idas-revised-2025-dyslexia-definition-now-open-for-public-commentfMRI Findings (Frontiers)https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/computational-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncom.2021.594659/fullNetwork Connectivity (Nature Communications)https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-023-05499-2Genetic Loci for Dyslexia (Nature Genetics)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41588-022-01192-yScienceDaily summary of genetic studyhttps://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/10/221020112823.htmNew Multivariate Genetic Study (2025)https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-025-03514-0JAMA – Infants at Risk Study https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2797787

    12 min

  7. 05/06/2025

    22. Dysgraphia Research

    Let's take a look at recent research regarding Dysgraphia and what it means for our students.

    8 min

  8. 04/08/2025

    21. A Perspective Shift

    Instead of focusing on deficits and weaknesses, let's take some time to focus on the strengths students with dyslexia possess.

    13 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.8
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Breaking down dyslexia and related issues to help you better understand the world of dyslexia.

Information

  • Creator
    Kimberly Smith
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Kimberly Smith
  • Show Website
    Dyslexia District