#17 Mandatory Standardized Testing and Dyslexia - 7 Strategies for Making It Through

For most students, standardized testing means disrupted schedules, increased anxiety, and the pressure to perform. For a student with dyslexia or a neurodivergent brain, that experience is often amplified. In this episode, I expand on why these standardized tests exist and how to support your child through the process. 

Your child’s standardized test score tells you where they fall on a bell curve in relation to the other students in their grade. Because people with dyslexia process information differently, standardized tests aren’t an effective way to assess their development or comprehension. If your state doesn’t offer testing opt-outs, what can you do to help your child feel as calm and confident as possible? 

Join me as I explore seven ways to approach standardized testing and highlight important things to keep in mind if your child’s scores remain low. 

 

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or on your favorite podcast platform.

 

Topics Covered:

  • A brief history of the No Child Left Behind Act and Every Student Succeeds Act
  • How to determine if your state has a testing opt-out option 
  • Why it could benefit your child to take a standardized test, even if they can opt-out 
  • What to know about your child’s testing accommodations
  • Tools and practices to increase focus and calm the nervous system before a test 

 

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