EarlyBird Education’s Post

This is long awaited great news! Our country needs guidance on dyslexia screening, thank you EarlyBird Education, Nadine Gaab, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative for making this possible!! #earlyscreening is needed for our children as we know through research that #earlyinterventions improve #studentsucess #earlyliteracy #sor #scienceofreading #edtalk #dyslexia #literacyforall #dyslexiaawareness #literacyassessments

We need to think–and talk–differently about difference. Check out this great article exploring why it's so important that all educators talk to all students about differences. Every educator needs to understand learning differences and feel comfortable talking about these differences. The more we whisper "dyslexia" and avoid saying "autistic" out loud, the more we perpetuate a stigma associated with being neurodivergent. This does not mean violating students' privacy and disclosing on their behalf. This does mean fostering communities of belonging that welcome all neurotypes, where: - Everyone talks about how their brains work best and the supports they need to feel comfortable and be successful - All classroom libraries feature books with a variety of disabled characters (avoiding stereotypes) - Every learning space welcomes different ways of communicating, regulating, and attending (no more "criss-cross applesauce," "quiet hands," or "look at me") Small shifts in mindset and language can have a BIG impact on our students and schools. https://lnkd.in/emwqMMq7

“While free play is crucial for children's well-being, recent research emphasizes that guided play is a more effective approach to support children's learning in reading, STEM, and learning-to-learn skills like attention, memory, and flexible thinking.” #Playmatters #Playfullearning #LearningThoughPlay

Through licensing, Florida State University and EarlyBird Education bring new comprehensive literacy assessment & dyslexia screening tool to schools across the country

With only 47% of kindergarteners reading at grade level, it's evident we need innovative solutions for today's literacy crisis. A recent study from Stanford University highlights the success of virtual high-impact tutoring, particularly for low-income students. I'm proud to lead the Uplift Education network where this study was conducted, serving 23,000 diverse scholars, 82% of whom are economically disadvantaged. Thanks to the help of OnYourMark Education, we found that the results are promising - virtual tutoring can bridge gaps and empower students across all backgrounds. To learn more, check out my op-ed in RealClear Media Group below. #UpliftEducation #K12Education #Literacy #OpEd #RealClearMedia

Inclusive environments boost confidence and comfort for neurodiverse learners. When you design, who do you have in mind? #InclusiveDesign #Neurodiversity #K12Education #DyslexiaSupport #ArchitecturalInnovation

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month! Let’s roll back some common dyslexia myths. Dyslexia Myth #3: Dyslexics need different teaching than typical readers. This myth stems from a time when learners were often separated into different classrooms based on ability or learning diversity. But here's the truth --> 🔹 Dyslexia exists on a continuum. Some individuals have mild dyslexia, while others have moderate or severe forms. The more severe the dyslexia, the more support needed. 🔹 Dyslexia is common. In fact, 10-20% of children in every classroom have dyslexia. 🔹 Dyslexia isn’t the only reason kids struggle with reading. Learning to read can be challenging for many students, and most need some form of support—though the level varies. The good news? Research shows that all learners—dyslexic or not—benefit from explicit, systematic literacy instruction. Some may require minimal support, while others, like dyslexic students, depend on it. Studies also reveal that inclusive classroom environments benefit all learners, both academically and socially. So, by providing evidence-based, explicit instruction in a classroom setting and allowing for differentiation, we can meet the needs of all students. Dyslexic learners may need extra help at times, but the overall demand for that support decreases when classrooms adopt effective, evidence-based teaching practices. 👩🏫 What does this mean for teachers? More collaboration, more support, and stronger classroom communities that uplift all learners. 👨👩👧 What does this mean for parents? A greater chance your dyslexic child can stay in their local school, more time for after-school activities that focus on their passions, and less financial stress from seeking expensive private school options. Let’s focus on using what we know works best for all learners—because a well-supported classroom benefits everyone! 💡💪 How have you seen inclusive literacy practices make a difference in your classroom or for your child? #DyslexiaAwareness #Education #InclusiveClassrooms #MythBusting #LiteracyInstruction #EquityInEducation

Thank you Overdeck Family Foundation for this insightful op-ed on the importance of evidenced-based programming being implemented intentionally- it raises that those programs have to be attainable for all schools, districts and programs- meaning they need to be a reasonable lift to implement, have a feedback cycle to see what's working and what's not and really look at what's having impact. For example its important to elevate that whole-child curricula- such as Creative Curriculum or High Scope- are not showing impact on improving classroom quality or child outcomes. Rather those outcomes have been seen from implementing intentional programs like Tools of the Mind or Incredible Years or Preschool PATHS. We can and must do better for young children and for the adults who work with them. https://lnkd.in/gZMvEuPn

"One of the best predictors of a child's success in school is how they answer one simple question: Is there an adult at school that cares about you - yes or no? That's it. That's the question that can tell you everything." --Sujie Shin Absolutely, Sujie Shin! The importance of a caring adult in a child's school life cannot be overstated. In the K12 edtech sector, we must hold ourselves accountable to develop tools and platforms that not only enhance learning but also foster meaningful connections between students and educators. Technology should support teachers in becoming more accessible, efficient without sacrificing best pedagogical practice, and empathetic, ensuring every child feels valued and supported in the learning process. When students know that there is an adult who genuinely cares about them, their engagement and success soar. Let's leverage edtech to strengthen these vital relationships and create environments where every student can thrive. #EdTech #K12 #StudentSuccess #Pedagogy #EducationMatters #edchat

"One in five students learns differently. And to serve neurodiverse students best, early identification and intervention are critical." Find out how Westmark School. a 2–12 school for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and other language-based learning differences, is expanding its lower school to increase enrollment. #Neurodiversity #IndependentSchools #LearningDifferences