#51 The Middle School Minefield: Why Your Dyslexic Child’s IEP Is About to Become Obsolete
Is your child moving from elementary to middle school?
Is the thought of middle school sending shivers down your spine, especially for your dyslexic child?
Are you wondering how they'll navigate the maze of multiple teachers, lockers, and skyrocketing academic demands, or what I like to refer to as “The Middle School Minefield?
If you're grappling with these questions, you're not alone, and I want to help you navigate it confidently.
In this episode, I reveal why this transition is so critical for dyslexic students and I share what you should be thinking about to ensure your child doesn't just survive it, but thrives in this new environment.
Remember, with the right support and preparation, your child can handle any educational transition like a pro!
Topics Covered:
- Some of the unique challenges dyslexic students face when transitioning from elementary to middle school [0:55]
- The typical timeline for school transitions, including crucial IEP meetings and orientation events to ensure a smooth change [1:55]
- A look at the key areas of focus during transition planning and the essential elements that are addressed in transition meetings [5:26]
- What the common obstacles are that parents encounter during their child’s transition to middle school [6:26]
- The critical warning signs to watch out for that indicate your child needs extra help [7:12]
- Things you can do right now to maximize the effectiveness of the transition process for you and your child [8:01]
Key Takeaways
- Transition planning should start early (Jan/Feb of 5th grade) with active parent involvement in IEP meetings
- Existing IEPs must be thoroughly reviewed and adapted for the demands of middle school's multiple teachers and increased workload
- Parent advocacy is essential and you must be diligent in monitoring for warning signs
When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you:
Join the waitlist to find out when my long-awaited course, Untangling Dyslexia: From Identification to IEP, opens up again!
Subscribe to my Podcast Literacy Untangled Podcast, for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid.
Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read.
Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to [email protected] or a DM on Instagram.
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Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on your favorite podcast platform.
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