Although there is more awareness about dyslexia now, when it comes right down to it, not much has changed since I started researching this learning difference in 2012. When I noticed Garrett’s challenges, I reached out to his amazing former preschool teacher, Mrs. Hall, who had him for two years. Garrett was almost 7 1/2 years old, but he was in first grade because at her recommendation, we gave him the ‘gift of time,’ an extra year in the fours program. Garrett, just like my husband, has ADHD and a serious need to move. Sitting ‘criss-cross applesauce’ for circle time in preschool was doable ONLY because he had almost a full hour on the playground BEFORE this was asked of him. In public school, this was not happening.
By the end of second grade, much to my surprise, I made the decision to homeschool Garrett from third through seventh grade. Recently, while we were talking and he was reflecting on his childhood, he said it was ‘amazing’. I wholeheartedly believe not being confined to a classroom for seven hours a day where no one understood dyslexia and his unique learning profile is why he has such fond memories of this period of his life.
I’ve been out in my community talking about my son’s success with the Barton System since 2014 as I was forging ahead with my commitment to become a private tutor. During the past 10 years, I have spoken to dozens of parents, exhorting all of them to get outside help for their children. Their stories are all the same, but just recently, a new client shared a comment from her daughter’s science teacher that left me utterly flabbergasted.
Bella is about to start ninth grade. She did the NeuroLearning Assessment with me and based on her very high score, I counseled her parents to seek a full educational evaluation through the public school. They did and she was found eligible for an IEP, but based on my recommendations they are not going to allow the school to provide any services that will interfere with her Barton remediation.
Here is what Bella’s eighth grade science teacher said to her and her mom:
‘I heard you tested positive for dyslexia.’
Seriously?! I think this has to be one of the dumbest statements ever uttered about dyslexia. And just for the record, I live in the 13th largest ($3.5 billion budget) school district in the country.
