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SAISD 504/Dyslexia Newsletter
May 2024
![SAISD 504/Dyslexia Newsletter May 2024](https://cdn.smore.com/u/cb11/e31831d58f7b45c52505813a82fe62c1.jpg)
Free Prize Giveaway
Congratulations to our April prize winners Gisella Calejo from Twain Dual Language Academy and Ivana Salinas from Kelly Elementary!
Thanks for reading our monthly newsletter!
All SAISD employees are eligible to enter a giveaway for this adorable teacher bag. A winner will be chosen at random from all entries. Click here to enter.
Congratulations to our winner!🏅
Congratulations to our May winner, Shelene Livas, principal at Pershing Elementary!!
Thanks to everyone who entered our drawing this month.
Thanks to all 504 Coordinators!
The SAISD 504/Dyslexia department sends a HUGE thanks to all of the district 504 Coordinators who do such a great job! We would like to recognize everyone who was selected as a coordinator of the month for the 2023 - 2024 school year. All of your efforts on the part of 504 students are appreciated!
Dr. Emma Dromgoole (right)
Highlands High School
Kimberly Rebo (right)
Lowell Middle School
Raquel Bishop (right)
DeZavala Elementary School
Kim Aston (right)
Lamar Elementary School
Valerie Trevino (right)
Rogers Academy
Jeanette Zuniga
Maverick Elementary School
Dr. Hugo Orantes (far left) and
Gabriela Menchaca (far right)
Brackenridge High School
Sarah Martinez (right)
Crockett Elementary
Elaine Kondratick (right)
YWLA Primary
Lauren Saucedo (center)
J.T. Brackenridge Elementary School
Cassandra Gonzales (right)
Bonham Academy
Patricia Montalvo (left)
Cast Tech High School
Section 504
Section 504 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that a child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accommodations. Accommodations are unique to each student, NOT a one size fits all. They are meant to support students in classroom and testing settings.
Equality is giving people the same things.
Equity is giving people different supports so they have equal access.
Dyslexia Friendly Classroom
A dyslexia-friendly classroom environment encourages dyslexic students to follow their strengths and interests. While it holds high expectations for dyslexic students, it allows reasonable alternatives beyond timed tests and text-heavy materials to demonstrate their knowledge. When tests are necessary, teachers allow extra time or provide shorter tests for dyslexic students in the class. When grading a creative writing assignment, a dyslexia-friendly teacher focuses on the content and creativity of the paper, and not spelling errors. When a spelling or grammar test is given, teachers do grade a dyslexic student’s abilities in those areas but also work with students and parents to develop dyslexia-friendly study skills. These include using colors to highlight different parts of speech and other grammar rules, or using flashcards and computer games to help a student memorize spelling words.
Visual aids, technology and creativity help bring life into learning. When teachers use these strategies they not only help dyslexic students learn, but engage and improve learning for all students in the class. Additionally, a dyslexia-friendly environment allows educators to be alert to problems and identify children who might be dyslexic.
Dyslexia Myth
Scientists know more than ever about dyslexia. But there are still a lot of misconceptions about this common learning difference. That can make it hard to know what’s accurate and how to best support your child.
Here’s the truth behind seven myths about dyslexia.
From understood.org
Dyslexia Success Story
Carmen Agra Deedy, children's book author
After her family had fled Cuba and Castro’s tyranny in the 1960s, Carmen Agra Deedy landed in a small Georgia town. There she ran headlong into the tyranny of the written word and numbers. For years, she believed she was dumb. As an adult, she discovered two things: First, she wasn’t dumb at all; she was dyslexic. And second, being able to picture the world and communicate through writing children’s books would open a new chapter in helping her see her difference in a different way.
From: https://awodtv.org/segment/difference-maker-carmen-agra-deedy/
Teaching Resource
Immersive Reader
Immersive Reader is a free tool that uses proven techniques to improve reading for people regardless of their age or ability.
Special Features:
reads any web page out loud
ability to change the font, spacing, text size, and background color
able to break words into syllables
can identify parts of speech (noun, verb, adjective, and adverb)
picture dictionary to help with vocabulary
able to translate into many different languages
For more information, please click on the video below.