20 Questions: Do You Know What You Need to Know about Teaching Reading?

PAM AUSTIN M. ED., National Professional Learning Manager Lexia Learning • Voyager Sopris Learning

Over the last few decades educators have had the opportunity to understand the many aspects and complexities of teaching and learning to read. This session uses the 20 Questions game popularized in the USA in the 1940’s to challenge your knowledge of research, resources, and evidence for the most effective framework and strategies to teach reading. Press play to discover if you know what you need to know about teaching reading.

The Power of Pushing Play: Students Learning at Grade Level with Audiobooks

Terrie Noland, Ph.D., CALP Vice-President, Educator Initiatives

One of the most significant challenges for students with reading as a barrier is accessing grade-level learning and keeping up with assigned work. By dismantling beliefs and common misconceptions and maximizing the power of the play button, students can have immediate access to learning alongside their peers. This webinar will discuss the tremendous benefits available to students when they engage with human-read audiobooks when decoding is still being worked on and solidified. In addition, the social and emotional benefits are multifaceted for students. Topics that will be addressed will include motivation, book selection, taking control over learning, self-esteem, and much more.

Gaining Independence: Audiobook Access at Home

Terrie Noland, Ph.D., CALP Vice-President, Educator Initiatives

One of the most stressful times for a student with dyslexia can be homework. The home dynamic of managing content, while managing life, can become overwhelming and tiresome for both families and the student. This session will equip parents with the knowledge and understanding they need to capitalize on the beauty of the play button with the use of human-read audiobooks. A simple push of a button provides immediate grade level access to content and provides a way to bolster independence in reading, which ultimately lifts the load at home.

You CAN Help Your Child with Dyslexia or Dysgraphia

Karol Ann Moore, Ph.D., LDT, CALT, SLDS

This presentation will focus on empowering parents to feel confident in helping their children with dyslexia or dysgraphia at home and at school. Discussion will include clarifying definitions of confusing terms, activities to practice reading skills, navigating accommodations in the classroom, and using technology tools to build confidence in reading and writing.

Blending in Assistive Technology

Necol Roager & AISD Assistive Technology Team

In this session, the Austin ISD Assistive Technology Team will share how to blend the assistive technology built into or added to a Chromebook and iPad to support student success. For example, all students may have access to text-to-speech and speech-to-text by turning on a Chromebook’s accessibility features. Participants will come away with a greater understanding of the assistive technology that is available to all students but crucial for some learners.

A Walk Through An Evaluation for Learning Disabilities

Dr. Cherry Craig Lee, Director of AISD Section 504 and Dyslexia Departments

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires school districts to conduct an initial evaluation when there is suspicion that a child has a disability and, as result of the disability, needs special education and related services. The presenter will review components included within the full and individual initial evaluation (FIIE) when dyslexia and/or dysgraphia is suspected.

Stronger Together: Advocating for your dyslexic child in partnership with your child’s school

The role of a parent of a dyslexic student is complex! Collaborating with the school requires both strength and understanding, knowing when to push and when to hold back. When this is done effectively, parents can play a critical role in helping students get the interventions they need to succeed in school. Join me in learning effective ways to support your child in their school journey! 

Organizational Strategies and Study Skills for Students with Learning Differences  

This presentation will cover how we can best support students with learning and processing difficulties. Sections of the presentation include Understand Learning Differences, Identifying Priorities & Goals, Improving Time & Materials Management, Enhancing Study Skills & Habits, and Developing Note Taking & Test Taking Strategies