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You have concerns about your child's reading progress, and you are about to meet with the teacher. Use this checklist to prepare for the meeting and bring it with you so that you gather the specific information that will help you get the best picture of how your child is really doing.
Suggested Teacher Meeting Checklist
Source: Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
Using a checklist such as this one will make your meeting much more productive and informative. Teachers are invaluable in terms of being able to give you specific information of where your child is at, in relation to her grade-level peers, This will allow you to further decide whether or not you should pursue a formal evaluation.
Next: I think my child needs to be evaluated. Now what?
Suggested Teacher Meeting Checklist
Source: Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
- Make a written list of your concerns.
- Set up a specific time to speak to your child's teacher; don't catch her on the run.
- Find out how your child is progressing in reading; you want specifics, not generalities or euphemisms.
- Pin down exactly how her reading progress is being measured.
- Ask what reading group he is in and what level reader that group represents.
- Ask how she compares to others in her class and grade.
- Ask what the expectations are for him by year's end.
- In very specific terms, ask what help she is receiving: a) the type of program b) size of group c) minutes per day.
- If you can, visit the class and observe your child along with his classmates during a reading lesson.
Using a checklist such as this one will make your meeting much more productive and informative. Teachers are invaluable in terms of being able to give you specific information of where your child is at, in relation to her grade-level peers, This will allow you to further decide whether or not you should pursue a formal evaluation.
Next: I think my child needs to be evaluated. Now what?
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Your child is having unexpected difficulty with reading, and struggling with school. He seems to have hit a "wall" in third grade, or he hasn't learned to read simple words in first grade and it's the end of the year. Despite the teacher's reassurance not to worry and that, "he'll grow out of it," you are concerned that it might be something more. How can a parent begin to find out if this is the case? The following blog series will offer step-by-step advice on what parents can do to find out what is going on with your child and what you can do to help them.
Step 1: Research dyslexia and learn as much as you can before you decide what to do next.
Before diving into talking with the school, or calling the phone number of someone you've found on the web, take the time to do some research and learn what you can. Then, you will be better prepared and know what to ask when you begin to talk with others. Here are a few suggestions:
Next: How to get specific information from the school on exactly how well your child is reading.
Step 1: Research dyslexia and learn as much as you can before you decide what to do next.
Before diving into talking with the school, or calling the phone number of someone you've found on the web, take the time to do some research and learn what you can. Then, you will be better prepared and know what to ask when you begin to talk with others. Here are a few suggestions:
- Do an informal evaluation yourself by comparing your child's characteristics to a well-designed checklist. This Signs of Dyslexia Checklist is a quick but very accurate assessment of whether or not your child might have a problem.
- Another excellent resource for learning more is this video: Could it be Dyslexia? There are also many other resources at the parent-friendly Bright Solutions for Dyslexia site.
Next: How to get specific information from the school on exactly how well your child is reading.
