Welcome to Decoding Dyslexia Montana
What is Decoding Dyslexia Montana
all about~
Decoding Dyslexia Montana is a a grassroots movement driven by Montana families who are concerned with the literacy crisis we are facing in Montana and across the United States. The root cause of the literacy crisis is lack of teacher training and poor learning to read curriculums. Until teachers are trained in the science of reading, there will be no meaningful progress, less kids will reach their potential and more children will suffer as struggling readers.
We are working hard to train veteran teachers, as well as elementary education candidates at the university level in the SCIENCE OF READING.
Our Goal is:
for ALL elementary teachers to understand and master, the Science of Reading and be able to teach all kids to read.
It is important teachers are made aware of learning differences but it is more important they are able to teach reading having mastered the science of reading and that the curriculums they use match up accordingly. Which will elevate all student learning and lessen frustration for teachers.
Kids who are dyslexic thinkers make up 20-30 percent of the students in Montana classrooms. 1 in 6 people in Montana make their living in the arts. 1 in 5 are entrepreneurs. That is why our numbers of creative thinkers is higher than the national average of 20% or 1 in 5.
My story is similar and familiar to most. I came to this work through the trenches, 16 years ago when I could not get the help we needed in the public school system. Not much has changed yet but we are making progress. We do have a law on the books that into effect July 1, 2019. This law is focused on early ( kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade) identification and intervention to address dyslexia and literacy. Over the last 16 years, lots of tears have been shed and breakthroughs made. Countless meetings with teachers, students, administrators and, hundreds of interviews with elementary education teacher candidates have revealed the massive gaps in understanding literacy and dyslexia. There is a dire need for training across the board and we are gaining traction.
Disturbingly, most teachers with a degree in elementary education, special education or a masters/ Doctorate inReading - do not understand the mechanics of language. They still believe the myth that Dyslexia is seeing and writing backwards and falsely believe kids who are wired with dyslexia can't read and will always struggle. They do not understand the complexity of language at a foundational level. They believe the outlandish myth that kids who are wired with dyslexic, nonlinear brains, are not as bright as other linear wired students. It is vital to understand the difference to address the difference effectively. The problem is not the student. The problem is the system that produces educators who by no fault of their own are not equipped to teach the science of reading.
Our teachers are ill-equipped to actually teach kids reading understanding how language works using the science of reading. It is not a widely known fact that only 35% of the United States graduating seniors are proficient at reading. That means about 2/3 of students are not able to read proficiently.This is where DD-MT volunteers can make a big, life long, difference as acts of advocates working with teachers to get them the training they need.
GREAT NEWS!- This year 2021-2022 we have partnered with BOON Philanthropy, an organization that is providing teacher training to combat literacy, to set up 15 pilot projects across the state of Montana. All teachers will be trained in master the science of reading and they will be supported by their administrators to implement their skills. New curriculums will be added as necessary. WE are encouraged and excited to see the transformation in literacy across the state of Montana.
History and Focus of Effort
We applaud the unified effort DD-NJ has taken to propel this movement forward. Decoding Dyslexia- NJ, established in 2011, has had a powerful impact in all 50 states (including MONTANA and internationally to Canada.
Decoding Dyslexia-MT, are an extension of the New Jersey leaders efforts and intend on helping the people of our state by advocating for Montana to implement:
1. Education and training of elementary educators (teachers, professors, administrators, coaches, and counselors) in the science of reading.
2. Educating and asking members of our Montana legislator to create laws that support and protect our children and increase literacy for all.
3. Educate and train Pediatricians to screen for learning differences at well checks.
4. Educate and train Early Childhood Teachers to screen children and learn to recognize Dyslexia by 5.5 yrs old and start intervention no later than the middle of kindergarten.
5. A universal definition and understanding of Dyslexia in the state education code
6. Mandatory teacher training on dyslexia, it's signs and appropriate intervention approaches that are proven.
7. Mandatory Kindergarten screening for all kids
8. Mandatory Evidence-based dyslexia reading approaches in the science of reading be implemented with fidelity, which can be accessed by all.
9. Access to appropriate "assistive technologies" and accommodations
10. 504 and/ or IEP's throughout public school and higher education
Our Motivation
We are motivated by the desires of our children to reach their true potential as confident people, who understand their value and are able to share their abilities.
Our Mission
To equip parents and children with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently navigate their education journey and reach their potential in school and LIFE.
And to train educators in the SCIENCE OF READING.
We accentuate the strengths and abilities Dyslexics.
We design optimal learning environments inside and outside traditional settings.
We evaluate the team and support parents in learning to build their child's personal toolbox of resources which aids them in demonstrating their intelligence and plethora of abilities.