Dyslexia and
 School

  Dyslexia Parents Resource

My son is terrified of taking part in the next state standardized testing. Does he have to? He has been diagnose as being dyslexic. What is the point of him taking any more tests that he knows he will fail at? (K.L., USA)
Your son is not obliged to take the tests. If you write a letter to the school and just state that you do not wish your child to participate in the state standardized testing program, then he will be exempted in most states. You may have to keep him at home for the day of the tests. There is no need to give any reason why you do not wish him to take part. Whether your child n most cases, the state authority has to take account of the parent's wishes whether or not your child has a 504 plan or an IEP.

Finding a school with good provision for children or teenagers with dyslexia is very hard. In general, the best approach is to try to contact the Dyslexia Association or Learning Difficulties Association in the area, and see if they have any helpful feedback from their members about local schools.

The truth is there are many different universities and online programs offering business or accounting degrees online for instance that can accommodate any type of students.

The following organizations may be helpful:

USA:

• Local Contacts in each State and worldwide

• Special Education Learning Centers

• Learning Disabilities Professionals Directory

 UK:

• Get The Right School

• Colleges with programs for dyslexic students

• IEPs and the IDEA (USA)

• Statement of Special Needs (UK)

• Sign Language as an alternative to a foreign language for dyslexic students - More and more colleges and universities - listed on this link - are accepting American Sign Language in fulfillment of foreign language requirements.

• Provision of Extra Support - a brief case study by Flora Gillis.

• Falling Out With the School - one parent's story.

Judge Orders Atlanta Schools to Pay Dyslexic Student's Tuition Fees - A federal judge has told Atlanta Public Schools to pay up to $152,000 to send a dyslexic student long misdiagnosed as mentally disabled to a private school. An independent test showed that he actually has dyslexia.

Victory for UK Family with Dyslexic Son - A couple who faced having to sell their house to pay for specialist education for their dyslexic son were celebrating today after winning a legal battle with education bosses. They are 'elated' after learning Leicestershire County Council will now have to help pay for their 12-year-old son's education at Maple Hayes Dyslexic School after a tribunal ruled in their favor. The family has spent £20,000 ($40,000) on legal costs.

"I Think Your Son Has Dyslexia" - Our seven-year-old isn't good at reading. Her teacher told us at the end of last term that she is way behind the others in her class. Yet she seems to be clever at everything else. Over the summer, our daughter has been saying she is stupid and that she hates school. My husband wasn't good at reading in school, either, and tells her she has just got to get on with it. What can I do, as she is so negative at the moment? ...