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Episode 18: What Does It Mean To Be At Risk For Dyslexia?
We’re excited to introduce a special series featuring Drs. Bennett and Sally Shaywitz, world-renowned experts in the field of dyslexia. Over the course of this series, we’ll dive deep into the Shaywitz DyslexiaScreen, a groundbreaking tool designed to help identify students at risk for dyslexia, early and accurately. Join us as they share their insights, expertise, and the science behind the screener, empowering parents, educators, and advocates to better support children with dyslexia.
Early detection of dyslexia is crucial for equipping children with the tools they need to succeed in reading and beyond. In a recent discussion, I had the privilege of speaking with Drs. Bennett and Sally Shaywitz from the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity about the Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener and its transformative role in identifying children at risk as early as kindergarten.
Why Early Screening Matters
Research published in 2015 highlighted a concerning reality: the academic achievement gap in reading emerges as early as first grade and persists into adolescence. This finding underscores an urgent call to action by the first grade. Screening and identification should be done at the end of kindergarten so the students are immersed in an evidence based education specific to dyslexia in 1st grade. Delays widen the achievement gap.
Dr. Bennett Shaywitz emphasized the importance of identifying children at risk of dyslexia before they fall further behind. Early interventions are most effective when children are still developing foundational reading skills, as the trajectory for reading growth is steepest in the early grades. This window of opportunity allows for maximum progress before students face mounting challenges.
What Is the Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener?
The Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener was designed to meet the guidelines of federal Public Law 115-391, which mandates evidence-based, efficient, and low-cost dyslexia screening programs. This screener is:
• Evidence-based: Proven for its psychometric reliability.
• Efficient: Easy to administer without disrupting the classroom routine.
• Teacher-centered: Relies on the insights of teachers, who are uniquely positioned to evaluate their students’ language skills over time.
Unlike one-time tests, the screener gathers insights from teachers who observe a child’s language and reading development throughout the school year. This comprehensive perspective captures a child’s abilities and struggles more accurately than a single isolated skills test.
How the Screener Works
The Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener engages teachers as active participants. Teachers fill out an evaluation based on their day-to-day interactions with the child, assessing broad language and literacy skills. This approach ensures that the screener captures a holistic view of the child’s development, rather than relying on a snapshot from a single test.
As Dr. Bennett Shaywitz pointed out, this method helps mitigate the impact of “bad days” or test anxiety on a child’s performance. Teachers, who interact with students over months, can provide a more accurate assessment of a child’s risk for dyslexia.
Implementation and Benefits
In Louisiana, for example, the screener is used toward the end of the kindergarten year, allowing teachers to develop a strong understanding of their students before conducting evaluations. This timing ensures that teachers have ample data to identify children who may benefit from evidence-based interventions in first grade.
By focusing on early screening, schools can provide targeted support to children at risk for dyslexia, giving them the best chance to thrive in reading and learning.
The Bigger Picture
The Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener represents a critical tool in bridging the gap for children with dyslexia. Published by Pearson's it accurately and methodically identifies students at risk for dyslexia in a cost efficient manner.
Drs. Bennett and Sally Shaywitz’s work is a testament to the power of evidence based solutions in education. By prioritizing early detection and intervention, we can help children with dyslexia build confidence, overcome challenges, and unlock their full potential.
For more information about the Shaywitz Dyslexia Screener, visit Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity or call us at (225)384-5484 for more info!
Let’s continue working together to create a future where every child has the tools to succeed.
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What is Dyslexia?
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WHO WE ARE?
The Dyslexia Resource Center was started by a group of concerned parents, medical doctors, and advocates who simply want everyone to know the truth about dyslexia, based on the most current science, and how that knowledge can translate into success in the classroom.
WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?
An unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader.