Running head: JOURNAL ARTICLE #4 - DYSLEXIA

Fast Facts - Exceptional Student Leadership Unit Dyslexia Terry Gallivan Liberty University EDU 521 April 26, 2012

JOURNAL ARTICLE #4 - DYSLEXIA Fast Facts - Exceptional Student Leadership Unit Dyslexia

There is a growing student population who struggle with reading, spelling and math which have received criticism in the past for being lazy or dumb. Dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder which affects reading and decoding of information according to the National Institute of Health. The reality is dyslexia does exist and with learning strategies one can learn to read and do math as equals in the classroom. Teachers must consider individualized strategies geared toward this learning disability. The old adage where there is a will there is a way can be applied to individuals with dyslexia. The current statistics show up to twenty percent of the population has some degree of dyslexia. It is imperative for teachers to be trained in recognizing the symptoms in order to alleviate stigmas associated with dyslexia. Students typically have issues in subjects requiring reading skills due to their inability to comprehend reading for a variety of reasons with decoding and spelling being a difficult process. Teacher instruction is crucial for learning to succeed in the classroom setting since many students go undiagnosed. Individuals with dyslexia require research-based instruction in all five components of reading (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension) as well as writing and spelling (Colorado ED, 2008, p.1). The ignominy associated with dyslexia is apparent in the classroom where support is not received by the student. If it is expressed to a child you are in good company with Einstein, Picasso and John F. Kennedy it then can be realized dyslexia is a gift not a condemnation. One grandson with dyslexia realizes his struggle with reading is only temporary and is able to pull

JOURNAL ARTICLE #4 - DYSLEXIA from his strengths to overcome his learning difficulties. This article gives a tip of the iceberg description of dyslexia but lacks any in depth strategies for assisting a student with dyslexia.

References Colorado Department Of Education (2008). Dyslexia. Fast Facts: Exceptional Students Leadership Unit , , 1-2.

JOURNAL ARTICLE #4 - DYSLEXIA