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In this post, I'll guide you through a process to determine if you student needs additional reading support and how you can attain it.
Reading is one of the most essential skills a child needs to succeed in school and life.
If a child struggles to read, they will face challenges in nearly every academic subject.
Reading is a skill that is composed of many sub-skills including:
Decoding
Comprehension
Fluency
Vocabulary
Sustained attention
And more.
Research shows that strong executive function skills correlate with better performance in reading and math.
So, when assessing reading difficulties, it’s crucial to evaluate whether executive function weaknesses—like working memory, attention, or processing speed—are contributing to the problem.
Identifying the root cause early can help ensure the right intervention is in place.
Common Mistakes Parents Make When Addressing Reading Issues
Not Advocating for School Resources
Many parents jump straight to hiring a tutor or private reading specialist when they could first request support through the public school system.
Schools are required to provide evaluations and interventions for students struggling with reading, so start by requesting a free assessment in writing.
Skipping a Full Evaluation
Some reading struggles are not purely about reading. Issues with:
Decoding,
Comprehension,
Working memory,
or attention disorders like ADHD can impact reading ability.
Without a comprehensive evaluation, it’s easy to misdiagnose the problem, leading to ineffective interventions.
Overloading the Student
Trying to implement a reading intervention while a child is already overwhelmed with schoolwork can lead to frustration and burnout.
If a reading program is added without adjustments to their current workload, the child may struggle with both, leading to little or no progress.
Step-by-Step Process for Finding a Reading Specialist
Step 1: Request a Free Assessment
Start by requesting a formal evaluation through your child’s school district. This assessment can help determine whether the issue is related to decoding (sounding out words), comprehension, fluency, or another cognitive function.
If the school refuses or if you want a second opinion, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at no cost to you.
Step 2: Understand the Assessment Results
Once you receive the assessment results, review them carefully. Determine whether the school is offering appropriate interventions.
If the issue is primarily an executive function challenge, your child may need support beyond traditional reading instruction.
Step 3: Explore Reading Specialists and Programs
If school resources are insufficient, consider finding a private reading specialist.
Look into the following directories to find a qualified professional:
Make sure to search by "specializations" and check the "Language/Reading/Writing" disorders box.
First, click the "Tags" button.
Then, click on the "Dyslexia" tag to find providers who specialize in reading support.
Ensure the specialist has experience in structured literacy programs like:
Orton-Gillingham,
Wilson Reading,
Structured Word Inquiry
or Lindamood-Bell,
...which are proven methods for struggling readers.
Step 4: Set Realistic Goals and a Plan
Work with the reading specialist or intervention team to create a clear plan with measurable goals. This may involve:
Adjusting the child’s schedule by reducing after-school activities
Providing school accommodations (e.g., audiobooks, extra time on assignments)
Tracking progress regularly and adjusting strategies as needed
The Bottom Line
If you are ready to create a plan to help a student struggling with reading, try these steps:
Request a free assessment through your child’s school district in writing.
Review the assessment results to determine the root cause of the reading difficulties.
Explore reading specialists through various directories.
Develop a structured plan with realistic goals, including school accommodations and adjusted workloads.
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S. If you want to work on executive function skills with your students, consider joining hundreds of other educators and parents who have completed my Semester Success Blueprint Course. In less than 2 hours, this comprehensive course will teach you and your student the system I developed to help hundreds of students learn how to manage school effectively and raise their self-awareness and engagement with school.
About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and growing my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.