How to Get Structured Literacy in Your Child’s Dyslexia IEP

What's happening

You may have heard that structured literacy is a powerful teaching method for children with dyslexia. It's a systematic, explicit approach to teaching reading that can help your child decode words more effectively. However, you're unsure how to ensure this method is included in your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP). This situation commonly arises when parents recognize the gap between typical reading interventions and what their dyslexic child truly needs. Many parents are seeking practical ways to ensure structured literacy becomes a regular part of their child's education plan.

Why it happens

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) entitles children with dyslexia to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), and an IEP outlines how this is achieved. While schools are generally expected to tailor instruction to meet students' unique needs, the implementation of structured literacy can vary widely. Some schools might not immediately offer it due to resource constraints or differing educational philosophies. This inconsistency often leads parents to advocate for specific evidence-based reading approaches, like structured literacy, to ensure their child's needs are met effectively.

What parents should know

• Structured literacy is a systematic way of teaching that breaks down language learning into manageable components such as phonics and phonemic awareness.
• Under IDEA, your child has the right to receive reading instruction tailored to their individual needs, which may include structured literacy.
• Schools are generally encouraged to use evidence-based programs, but not all may automatically implement structured literacy without a parental request.
• Understand that you can request specific instructional methodologies be included in your child's IEP during team meetings.
• Knowledge about intervention programs available at your child's school can help you make informed requests during IEP meetings.

What you can do next

1. Research structured literacy and gather evidence of its benefits for children with dyslexia.
2. Document your child's current reading challenges and how structured literacy could address these effectively.
3. Request an IEP meeting in writing to discuss integrating structured literacy into your child’s IEP.
4. Share research and evidence during the meeting to support your request for structured literacy implementation.
5. Work collaboratively with the IEP team to track progress and make necessary adjustments.

In summary

You're not alone in wanting the best educational approach for your child with dyslexia. By understanding structured literacy and advocating for its inclusion, you can help your child make significant strides in reading. The next step is to document your current observations and engage with the IEP team. For insights into how well your child's current IEP goals are crafted, use the free Goal Clarity tool for a quick assessment.