Dyslexia Parent Group - Gig Harbor Peninsula Area

The judge's findings in a recent decision against the Peninsula School District related to students with are likely not a surprise to many parents. The PSD's I-Ready progress monitoring system uses the misleading term "Tested Out" when the PSD decides it is no longer going to evaluate students in a particular area. However, not just parents, but teachers and even PSD administrators, believe it means the student passed the test, while many, if not in most cases, the student was below grade-level. Rather than taking steps to clarify this misunderstanding, the PSD let it continue and left parents thinking their child was a high achiever when for over 3,000 students that is likely not the case. This is a districtwide problem that continues to this day. Just like their hashtags and or their mailers and videos the PSD is once again fooling people into thinking they are doing a great job educating kids, but with only 65.2% of Peninsula School District students reading at basic grade-level standards it is FAILING students, families and taxpayers.

Yet another costly legal decision against the Peninsula School District for violating the educational rights of a student with . The PSD likes to talk a good game, but the judge’s decision makes it clear that they don’t walk the walk, ordering costly corrective actions against the PSD, and ultimately the taxpayers. This type of behavior has been going on for years, but the PSD doesn't seem to learn from their errors. When will all students, and not just those from families that can afford thousands for private tutoring, get the appropriate, evidence-based, structured literacy, grounded in the ? The actions of the Peninsula School District are yet another example of its of those with dyslexia.

Cedar Law Blog Post: Cedar Delivers Big Win Against Peninsula School District on Dyslexia

Cedar Delivers Big Win Against Peninsula School District on Dyslexia - Cedar Law PLLC | An Education Law Firm The tides may finally be turning for students with dyslexia in the state of Washington. Parents across the state have been clamoring for evidence-based dyslexia interventions, […]

Cedar Delivers Big Win Against Peninsula School District on Dyslexia - Cedar Law PLLC | An Education Law Firm The tides may finally be turning for students with dyslexia in the state of Washington. Parents across the state have been clamoring for evidence-based dyslexia interventions, […]

It was recently announced that the Peninsula School District will be rolling out LETRS training by Lexia Learning for teachers and other staff in the upcoming school year. What is LETRS training? Its name stands for Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling. The program is “designed to provide early childhood and elementary educators and administrators with deep knowledge to be literacy and language experts in the science of reading.” It “teaches the skills needed to master the foundational and fundamentals of reading and writing instruction—phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and written language.” While the program doesn’t teach students directly, it does teach those who are teaching students. While it is unclear when, how or even if, the Peninsula School District will follow through with curriculums and programs needed to provide true grounded in the to students but getting LETRS training is an important and encouraging first step. To learn more about the LETRS training visit their website…

LETRS® | Lexia Professional Learning for Educators

This episode of the New Your Times podcast The Daily provides insight into way reading instruction went off track and the current efforts to course correct.

The Fight Over Phonics Why American schools are changing how reading is taught.

This article from The New York Times touches on many of challenges and efforts of students, parents and teachers in the Peninsula School District trying to make sure all children are taught to read.

The New York Times - April 16, 2023
by Sarah Mervosh
‘Kids Can’t Read’: The Revolt That Is Taking on the Education Establishment

‘Kids Can’t Read’: The Revolt That Is Taking on the Education Establishment In suburban Houston, parents rose up against a top-rated school district, demanding an entirely new reading curriculum. At an elementary school in Hutchinson, Minnesota, a veteran teacher is crusading for reform, haunted by the fear that, for 28 years, she failed children because she was not trained...

Peninsula School District, Will you PLEASE SUPPORT DYSLEXICS?

Join us Thursday at the Peninsula School District Board meeting when the GHP Area Dyslexia Parent Group will present our plan of action to support dyslexic students. While there will be an opportunity to speak, it is not necessary; just your attendance will speak volumes.

Join us for the GHP Area Dyslexia Parent Group meeting on January 24th. It is a great opportunity to connect with other parents of dyslexic students, learn and advocate for change. If you have questions please contact us at [email protected]

Please join us for the December meeting. Please note we will be at a different location this month.