THINK Dyslexia & Take Action
Is your child struggling with reading and spelling? If so, it is time to THINK Dyslexia and take action!
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Ask the Advocate Blog
The Answers Special Education Families Need Now!
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Melissa Minnick
- Oct 9
- 3 min
How do I know if my struggling reader shows signs of dyslexia?
Pay attention to the signs of dyslexia in your child. They aren't always what you would expect!
Melissa Minnick
- Oct 2
- 2 min
What is Dyslexia?
Understand dyslexia, the most common learning disability that affects 1 in every 5 children.
Melissa Minnick
- Jun 19
- 4 min
3 Teacher Comments That Are Red Flags for Parents
Teacher comments on a report card can contain little nuggets of information that can be big red flags that your child is struggling.
Melissa Minnick
- May 5
- 4 min
3 Things to Consider When Planning a Summer Break For Your Dyslexic Child
Deciding how to plan a fun summer while still helping your dyslexic child reach their reading goals can be tough. This article can help.
Melissa Minnick
- Apr 17
- 3 min
What is Extended School Year (ESY)?
ESY is NOT summer school. Learn more about what it is and how it can help the special education student you love.
Melissa Minnick
- Apr 6
- 5 min
Evaluation & Special Education Eligibility
A diagnosis of dyslexia does not guarantee that your child will receive special education services. Here's what teams consider...
Melissa Minnick
- Mar 23
- 3 min
What is an evaluation for special education services?
The evaluation is critical to every step of the special education process moving forward.
Melissa Minnick
- Feb 25
- 3 min
How do students get special education services?
The initial referral is a critical first step in acquiring the services and support your child needs in school. Learn more here.
Melissa Minnick
- Feb 17
- 3 min
Why Your Dyslexic Child Needs the Protection of a Formal Plan…Not Just “Extra Help”
"Extra help" is not enough. Formal special education plans exist to provide students with the services they need and parents with rights.
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 27
- 4 min
Is hiring an advocate worth the investment? How do they help families?
When determining the value of advocacy services, consider the effect a positive outcome will have on your child and your family.
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 20
- 2 min
Five Signs That It's Time to Get an Advocate Involved
Parents often say, “How do I know it’s time to get an advocate involved? Maybe I’m just overreacting and things aren’t that bad.” Trust...
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 16
- 4 min
How To Find a Qualified Educational Advocate
This step by step guide teaches you how to find an educational advocate and provides interview questions, so that you hire the right person!
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 6
- 2 min
What is an educational advocate?
An educational advocate’s job requires a combination of technical knowledge and excellent interpersonal skills.
Melissa Minnick
- Aug 12, 2022
- 7 min
Starting Your Dyslexic Child’s School Year Off Right!
Tips and advice for parents of dyslexic children- no matter where they are in the special education process.
Melissa Minnick
- Apr 14, 2022
- 8 min
The Re-evaluation Question: What Parents Need to Know About Special Education Re-evaluation
Read our advice for parents' one main fear when discussing reevaluation. Plus, understand the purposes and benefits.
Melissa Minnick
- Nov 29, 2021
- 9 min
5 Things to Do Now to Help Your Struggling Student (PLUS 3 Mistakes to Avoid!)
If your child is struggling in school, do not wait to take action! We share what to do now and critical mistakes to avoid.
Melissa Minnick
- Jun 23, 2021
- 6 min
How to Choose the Right Tutor for Your Dyslexic Child
Learn how to choose a tutor who is both qualified to teach with evidence based instructional methods AND a great fit for your child.
Melissa Minnick
- May 20, 2021
- 6 min
Covid-19 Recovery Services and ESY: Can They Help Your Child Rebound After the Covid 19 Crisis?
This summer many parents are scrambling to help their child after the Covid 19 global pandemic disrupted education.
Melissa Minnick
- Jan 25, 2021
- 7 min
New Year, Same Story: How to Advocate for Change in 2021
The pandemic continues and the challenges that families faced in 2020 are still with us in 2021. But we can still advocate for change!