Episode 13: Assistive Technologies for Dyslexia

The Louisiana Key Academy (LKA) is set to make a significant impact in Ruston, Louisiana, with the opening of its new learning pod this August. Dr. Laura Cassidy of the Dyslexia Resource Center recently sat down with Jenny Morse, the Director of this upcoming Ruston Learning Pod, to discuss the exciting development and what it means for the local community.

A Personal Journey to Advocacy

Jenny Morse's passion for dyslexia and her journey to becoming the director of the Ruston Learning Pod is both inspiring and personal. Jenny's daughter struggled with reading from a young age, experiencing frustration and sadness as she fell behind her peers. Through extensive research and perseverance, Jenny discovered that her daughter had dyslexia. This revelation ignited a passion in Jenny to understand and support dyslexic students.

As a dedicated homeschooling mother, Jenny homeschooled both her gifted son and her daughter with dyslexia. She led a homeschool association, creating activities and co-ops to support other families. Despite the challenges, Jenny’s determination to help her daughter and other children with dyslexia only grew stronger. Eventually, she became a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), dedicating herself to assisting dyslexic students professionally.

From Private Practice to Learning Pod

Jenny’s journey from a private practice dyslexia therapist to the director of the Ruston Learning Pod began with an unexpected email from Dr. Laura Cassidy. Recognizing Jenny’s dedication and expertise, Dr. Cassidy invited her to explore the possibility of establishing a learning pod in Ruston. After several Zoom meetings and a thorough assessment of local needs, it was clear that Ruston was an ideal location for this initiative.

What is the Ruston Learning Pod?

The Ruston Learning Pod will be an in-person educational program under the Louisiana Key Academy umbrella. Designed to provide a full-day program for dyslexic students, the learning pod will integrate structured language arts and evidence-based methodologies into the daily curriculum. Unlike traditional pull-out programs, where students miss class time for specialized instruction, LKA’s approach ensures that dyslexia support is interwoven throughout the school day.

A Unique Approach to Education

The Ruston Learning Pod will initially serve second, third, and fourth-grade students, with plans to expand to additional grades in the future. The program will feature 90 minutes of structured language arts each day, following the recommendations of the National Reading Panel. This evidence-based methodology includes explicit instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Additionally, students will receive 90 minutes of math instruction daily, recognizing that dyslexia can impact mathematical understanding due to its language-heavy nature.

Creating a Supportive Environment

One of the key features of the Ruston Learning Pod is its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for dyslexic students. All teachers will be trained to understand and address the unique needs of dyslexic learners, ensuring that students receive individualized support without feeling stigmatized. By integrating dyslexia support into the regular school day, students can focus on their strengths and enjoy a well-rounded educational experience.

A Call to Action for Parents

Dr. Cassidy and Jenny Morse emphasize the importance of early identification and intervention for dyslexic students. Parents who notice their children struggling with reading, spelling, or other language-related tasks should seek evaluation and support as soon as possible. The Ruston Learning Pod offers a valuable resource for families in the Ruston, Monroe, and surrounding areas, providing specialized education that addresses the core deficits of dyslexia.

As LKA prepares to open the Ruston Learning Pod, excitement is building within the community. This new initiative represents a significant step forward in supporting dyslexic students and unlocking their full potential. With the dedication of Jenny Morse and the backing of the Louisiana Key Academy, the future looks bright for dyslexic learners in Ruston.

For parents interested in learning more about the Ruston Learning Pod or seeking evaluation for their children, please visit the Louisiana Key Academy website or contact the Dyslexia Resource Center for additional information.