Welcome
Welcome to the International Dyslexia Association Wisconsin Branch website. Exciting things are happening across the state with training, legislation, simulations, and awareness campaigns. With an active and passionate Board of Directors who volunteer their time to raise awareness and improve reading throughout Wisconsin, we invite you to get involved too! On our website you will find the latest information and events regarding reading initiatives and practices that will help guide the work being done. Whether you are a parent, a professional, or someone who is interested in learning more and being a part of the growing demand for change, we know you will find inspiration and guidance here. We welcome you to contact us for additional information – after all, every one of us has a responsibility in ensuring the future of our readers.
2019 Board of Directors
Ann Malone & Michele Raasch
Co-Presidents
International Dyslexia Association
Wisconsin Branch
See below for information on the October Awareness events happening!
Dyslexia Awareness Month 2019 (1)
Thank you to all who have worked tirelessly and continue to work toward establishing legislation that will support children throughout Wisconsin. Check out this wonderful interview: 2019 Interview
Legislative Update September 2019
On Tuesday, August 13th, 2019 a Senate Education Committee public hearing was held on AB 110 on the creation of a Dyslexia Guidebook. The room was filled with those for and against the bill. The Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) is not in favor of the bill for the following two reasons. First, since there is no consensus on a definition of dyslexia the term should not be included in the guidebook and second, the title of the guidebook should include struggling readers. The title currently is Dyslexia and Related Conditions. Just for clarification, the Wisconsin Reading Coalition clarified the use of the term “related conditions”.
“There are other students who have word recognition problems that mimic dyslexia, but do not have the same neurobiological condition. These are the students with “related conditions.” Their problems could come from innate issues such as ADHD or low IQ, or environmental factors such as low literacy home environment, poverty, trauma, erratic school attendance, or poor instruction. “ (Wisconsin Reading Coalition)
The various definitions available on dyslexia are all very similar in the characteristics of dyslexia such as word recognition difficulties, fluency issues, spelling and writing difficulties to name a few.
The Senators listening to the testimonies asked probing questions and were very concerned about the declining ranking in Wisconsin.
Other Business
There has been lots of activity regarding moving forward for change both at the legislative level and university level.
1.Talks have begun with U.W. Whitewater on the creation of a Dyslexia Specialist endorsement, which would be 5 classes at the graduate level.
2.A summit of higher education faculty, school superintendents, and politicians will be meeting at the end of August to discuss teacher preparation programs at three UW schools of River Falls, Eau Claire, and Stout.
3.We have been approached by an attorney and lobbyist to aid in our cause and talks will begin soon. There will be more on that in future newsletters.
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to me at dhejtmanek@yahoo.com. I welcome any and all help on this important matter!!
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