best schools for dyslexia (Austin, Leander: campus, teachers, areas)

[rhino5]

Originally Posted by Vanessa DeLine

My son who is severely dyslexic and has an auditory processing disorder attended Rawson-Saunders for seven years. The teachers and ALT's are wonderful, experts in their fields and GENUINELY care about each student. Our family will always remember the teachers and the astounding results that our son made while there. Yes it is expensive, but if at all possible it is THE place for a dyslexic child in Austin.

Thanks so much for your input. We are really thinking about it. Do you know if they have buses from different areas of Austin? I'm guessing that the students come from all over. Our biggest issue is transportation/traffic.

[capcat]

Originally Posted by rhino5

Thanks so much for your input. We are really thinking about it. Do you know if they have buses from different areas of Austin? I'm guessing that the students come from all over. Our biggest issue is transportation/traffic.

I think you'll find that people are open to carpooling. I've worked in private schools like that, and families try to arrange it if possible. Many live in neighboring towns, other parts of Austin or have children who attend other public and private schools, so they work together to solve transportation and scheduling problems.

[Tina19488]

I am looking into sending my son to Pathways Academy in Marietta, GA. Their philosophy is excellent and they also run a support network for dyslexia also. Here's the information. I wish you the best of luck with your search to find the right school.

Pathways Academy website: The Pathways Academy
Dyslexia Support Network: PATHWAYS ACADEMY - Dyslexia Support Network (http://pathwaysdyslexianetwork.com/ - broken link)

[rhino5]

Here's an update in case anyone else is looking...

I've found that Hays County school district has a certified dyslexia specialist at each school campus. I don't know details yet, but it's promising.

[centralaustinite]

Definitely check the details, every campus has to have someone who is the designated person to handle dsylexia 504 issues but that does not mean that they have any training other than an in-district workshop to handle the administrative issues. I have met several folks who are the "dyslexia go-to" on AISD campuses and they knew very little about the condition and had zero training in how to meet the needs of dyslexic students and improve their reading. Be sure that you know exactly what kind of training a campus level "certified dyslexia specialist" has. It would be nice if they were a CALT.

[blakely]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Definitely check the details, every campus has to have someone who is the designated person to handle dsylexia 504 issues but that does not mean that they have any training other than an in-district workshop to handle the administrative issues. I have met several folks who are the "dyslexia go-to" on AISD campuses and they knew very little about the condition and had zero training in how to meet the needs of dyslexic students and improve their reading. Be sure that you know exactly what kind of training a campus level "certified dyslexia specialist" has. It would be nice if they were a CALT.

I second this.

I have a few friends who tried the public school dyslexia support, weren't getting the progress they should, and upon doing more research realized that their training and techniques didn't match the most proven dyslexia support paths.

Each of them transferred their child to either St Francis or Rawson-Saunders, with fabulous results.

[rhino5]

Originally Posted by centralaustinite

Definitely check the details, every campus has to have someone who is the designated person to handle dsylexia 504 issues but that does not mean that they have any training other than an in-district workshop to handle the administrative issues. I have met several folks who are the "dyslexia go-to" on AISD campuses and they knew very little about the condition and had zero training in how to meet the needs of dyslexic students and improve their reading. Be sure that you know exactly what kind of training a campus level "certified dyslexia specialist" has. It would be nice if they were a CALT.

I'm definitely going to look into this. I know AISD doesn't have much going on since a friend of mine is a speech pathologist in AISD and she had no clue. (She was the first person I asked.) I'll add what I find out, for future reference...

[rhino5]

Update on Hays Co schools dyslexia specialists...
Each school in the district has a specialist, some are working on their CALTs, some are not but all have been trained at Rawson-Saunders or Scottish Rite and have access to trainings during the school year and in the summer. They use Basic Language Skills (like RS) and Wilson Reading. I'm hoping to get more information from the district coordinator.

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by rhino5

Update on Hays Co schools dyslexia specialists...
Each school in the district has a specialist, some are working on their CALTs, some are not but all have been trained at Rawson-Saunders or Scottish Rite and have access to trainings during the school year and in the summer. They use Basic Language Skills (like RS) and Wilson Reading. I'm hoping to get more information from the district coordinator.

If true, that is fantastic! Orton-Gilliangham methods are generally considered the best, Basic Language Skills like the program from Neuhaus Institute in Houston are an off-shoot of that method.

But definitely follow up! How much time with a specialist would your child get? Would your kids even qualify for intervention? Some schools will not offer intensive help until a child is three grade-levels behind, if you have a gifted child, they be very very dyslexic and need real intervention but if they aren't reading three grade levels behind their peers (which is a LOT), they may not qualify for help!

good luck!

[rhino5]

Exactly centralaustinite! These are all questions I am going to ask. My child is considered gifted in our district here and he is still working within his grade level but not up to his potential... so I'm worried he won't get the benefits of a specialist in public school. I am looking at other options too. I've pretty much ruled out Rawson-Saunders because of the commute and two other children to deal with. I am looking at Montessoris (my kids are in a Montessori here and love it, plus they get individualized attention based on their level) and maybe a CALT for a tutor. Centralaustinite, any opinions on Montessoris on the south side (I think we'll be moving around Buda, so definitely south Austin)? I'm looking into Primavera and Parkside. You are a fountain of knowledge on the Austin schools. Much appreciated!