Advocating for Dyslexic Learners in Schools: What Every Parent Should Know

For parents of children with dyslexia, ensuring that their child receives the right educational support can be challenging. Schools may not always recognize the specific needs of dyslexic students, and traditional instructional methods may fail to meet these learners where they are. However, parents can play a crucial role in advocating for evidence-based instruction that supports their child's growth and academic success.

This blog post offers a practical guide on how parents can advocate effectively in schools, focusing on the importance of structured literacy programs, which align with the Science of Reading and are proven to help dyslexic learners thrive.

What Is Structured Literacy and Why Does It Matter?

Structured literacy is an instructional approach that teaches students the fundamental skills of reading and spelling systematically and explicitly. It involves:

• Phonology: Understanding how sounds function in language.
• Sound-Symbol Association: Learning how letters correspond to sounds.
• Syllable Structure: Breaking words into syllables to improve decoding.
• Morphology: Recognising word roots, prefixes, and suffixes.
• Syntax and Semantics: Building an understanding of grammar and meaning in context.

This approach ensures that students master reading step by step, with continuous review and reinforcement. Dyslexic learners benefit from explicit, multisensory instruction, which helps them retain skills and make connections between spoken and written language.

Why Schools May Miss the Mark for Dyslexic Students

Many schools still rely on instructional methods that are not effective for students with dyslexia, such as balanced literacy programs, which emphasise guessing words from context instead of decoding them. Without structured literacy, students with dyslexia struggle to build the foundational skills necessary for reading fluency and comprehension.

This gap in instruction can leave parents feeling frustrated as they watch their child struggle unnecessarily. Parent advocacy becomes essential to bridge the gap and ensure schools provide the right kind of support.

How to Advocate for Dyslexic Learners in Schools

1. Learn About Dyslexia and Your Child’s Rights

Understanding your child’s learning profile is the first step to effective advocacy. Familiarise yourself with the signs of dyslexia and how it impacts reading, writing, and spelling. In many regions, children with dyslexia are entitled to specific accommodations or specialised education services under special education laws, such as an Individualised Education Plan (IEP).

2. Request an Evaluation and Develop a Plan

If your child has not been formally assessed, request an evaluation through the school. A comprehensive evaluation will help identify your child’s specific challenges and determine if they qualify for special education services. If eligible, work with the school to develop an IEP that outlines accommodations and instructional goals.

Make sure the plan specifies the use of evidence-based programs, such as structured literacy, and sets measurable benchmarks for tracking progress.

3. Meet with the School Team to Discuss Your Child’s Needs

Schedule a meeting with your child’s teachers, school administrators, and special education staff. Communicate your concerns clearly and focus on how structured literacy aligns with the Science of Reading to meet your child’s specific learning needs.

Questions you can ask:

• Are teachers trained in structured literacy methods?
• How does the current reading program address phonological awareness and decoding?
• What accommodations can be made to support my child’s learning?
• How will the school monitor and report progress?

4. Collaborate with the School, Not Confront

Building a positive relationship with the school is key to successful advocacy. Approach meetings as collaborative conversations rather than confrontations. Offer to share research and resources on structured literacy and dyslexia. This will create a spirit of partnership and help teachers and administrators better understand your child’s needs.

5. Monitor Progress and Keep Detailed Records

Regularly review your child’s progress and make sure the interventions and accommodations in place are working. Keep detailed records of meetings, evaluations, progress reports, and communication with the school. If adjustments are needed, request follow-up meetings to modify the IEP.

6. Know When to Seek External Support

If the school is resistant to your advocacy efforts or your child is not making progress, consider seeking additional support. Educational advocates or dyslexia specialists can help guide you through the process and ensure your child’s rights are upheld.

Why Structured Literacy Programs Are Essential for Dyslexic Students

Dyslexic learners need explicit instruction to build phonological awareness and decoding skills, areas where they struggle the most. Research shows that structured literacy programs:

• Close literacy gaps early by focusing on core reading skills.
• Empower students with strategies for decoding unfamiliar words.
• Prevent frustration by ensuring gradual, measurable progress.
• Build confidence through practice and mastery over time.

Schools that implement structured literacy methods see significant improvements in the reading abilities of struggling students, including those with dyslexia.

Advocating for Change: Why Your Voice Matters

Advocating for your child can spark broader change within the school system. When parents demand evidence-based instruction, schools become more aware of the importance of programs like structured literacy, benefiting all students. By working together with other parents, teachers, and administrators, you help create a more inclusive educational environment.

Supporting Your Child’s Journey Beyond School

Your advocacy doesn’t end at the school doors. Supporting your child at home is just as important. Encourage a love of reading by:

• Using audiobooks to access grade-level content.
• Incorporating assistive technologies, such as text-to-speech tools.
• Celebrating progress rather than perfection, focusing on effort and small victories.

Building a supportive home environment helps your child develop resilience and confidence, which are essential for long-term success.

Advocating for dyslexic learners in schools is not always easy, but it is crucial to their academic and emotional well-being. By understanding the importance of structured literacy, building positive relationships with the school, and monitoring progress, you can ensure your child receives the support they need to thrive.

Your advocacy efforts will not only benefit your child but also pave the way for other students with dyslexia to receive the right kind of instruction and support. Together, we can help unlock the potential of every learner, ensuring they have the tools to succeed in school and beyond.