Zooming In on Dyslexia with Faye Bankler Casell
Resources:
Free Dyslexia Roadmap for Families e-book
Outline:
Introduction and Podcast Overview
Melissa Milner introduces herself as the host of the "Teacher as Podcast," a show aimed at educators.
She mentions that this is the seventh season of the podcast, released every other week.
Melissa thanks listeners for their support and encourages them to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts.
She announces a new sponsor for the podcast, the Career Mentorship Program at Major Choice.
Faye Bankler Casell's Background
Faye Bankler Casell introduces herself as a certified academic language therapist, special educator, and dyslexia therapist.
She works with parents through her website and social media, offering home reading coaching and a YouTube channel called "Teach My Child to Read."
Faye has experience in private dyslexia therapy practice and public school special education.
She is soon launching a home program for parents of children with dyslexia.
Challenges in Identifying and Supporting Dyslexia
Melissa asks if Faye works with other reading challenges besides dyslexia.
Faye explains that ADHD often co-occurs with dyslexia, especially in public schools.
She discusses the challenges parents face in getting dyslexia therapy services for their children, including issues with school testing and qualification.
Faye highlights the literacy crisis in the United States and the impact on children with dyslexia.
Literacy Crisis and School System Challenges
Faye shares her experiences with the literacy crisis and the challenges parents face in getting their children tested and qualified for dyslexia services.
She mentions the high percentage of people with dyslexia who are not labeled or given services in the American school system.
Melissa and Faye discuss the historical and current issues with literacy programs like Lucy Calkins' method.
Faye shares her experiences at Teachers College, Columbia University, and her observations on the effectiveness of certain literacy methods.
Orton Gillingham and Dyslexia Therapy
Faye explains the Orton Gillingham method and her training as a certified academic language therapist.
She discusses the differences between dyslexia therapists and tutors, emphasizing the intensive training required for therapists.
Faye mentions her ebook, "The Dyslexia Roadmap for Families," and her upcoming program, "Reading Breakthrough," aimed at helping parents intervene at home.
She clarifies that she is not infringing on anyone's copyrights and is providing materials that parents can use.
Identifying Dyslexia and Early Intervention
Melissa asks how parents can identify dyslexia in their children.
Faye explains that testing is the best way to identify dyslexia but emphasizes that intervention can start before a formal diagnosis.
She shares signs of dyslexia, such as difficulty with rhyming, compound words, and recognizing letters, especially the letters in their name.
Faye discusses the importance of early intervention and the potential for identifying dyslexia in young children.
Goals and Methods of Dyslexia Therapy
Faye outlines her goals as a dyslexia therapist, focusing on helping children decode with fluency and comprehend text.
She explains the multi-sensory approach she uses, including tactile, visual, and kinesthetic methods.
Faye discusses the importance of systematic, cumulative, and repetitious instruction for dyslexic learners.
She shares her experience with the history of the English language and its impact on reading instruction.
Challenges in School Systems and National Policies
Faye and Melissa discuss the challenges in school systems, including the variability in dyslexia programs and the impact of state policies.
Faye mentions the importance of having well-trained teachers and the challenges of implementing high-quality programs in all schools.
They discuss the role of dyslexia advocates and the adoption of dyslexia handbooks and regulations in various states.
Faye shares her experiences with different school districts and the impact of state-approved curricula on dyslexia intervention.
Recommendations for General Education Teachers
Faye provides recommendations for general education teachers, including assuming that 15-20% of their class may be dyslexic.
She emphasizes the importance of multi-sensory learning and the need for teachers to understand the errors in students' reading and writing.
Faye suggests using Sally Shay's "Overcoming Dyslexia" as a resource for teachers and parents.
She discusses the importance of providing support and understanding for students with dyslexia and the potential benefits of having dyslexic students serve as mentors.
Final Thoughts and Resources
Faye shares her social media platforms and website for additional resources and support for parents and teachers.
She mentions her YouTube channel, "Teach My Child to Read," and the free ebook available on her website.
Melissa thanks Faye for the interview and highlights the importance of the information shared for educators and parents.
Faye expresses her appreciation for being included in the podcast and the opportunity to share her expertise.