Cardinal supports students with dyslexia

Since 2016, Cardinal Community School District has used the Wilson Language Training program in efforts to better assist students with dyslexia.

'Dyslexia can make school very frustrating and difficult,” Cindy Green, middle school principal and director of curriculum and instruction, said. 'We have been seeking more and more support for dyslexic students and we have pursued training for our staff so that we are able to meet the needs of these unique learners.” According to the International Dyslexia Association, dyslexia affects about one in 10 individuals and is a neurological condition. It does not affect intelligence but causes difficulties with reading and writing.

Cardinal school announced in a news release that its staff and administrators want to provide the best education possible to each students.

'To do that, we want our staff members to be prepared with the right strategies and tools to help our students succeed when they meet academic challenges,” the release stated. 'One of those tools is the Wilson Language Training program.”

'To date, we have trained seven staff members in the Wilson Reading System, which is an intensive intervention specifically for individuals with specific reading and writing delays,” Green said.

In addition, all teachers on staff have received professional development in the areas of dyslexia, dyscalculia (difficulty learning math), and dysgraphia (difficulty with writing). Thanks to these programs and the dedication of our team, we are confident in our staff and their ability to support our students with these conditions.

Cardinal staff have reported what a difference the program and training have made.

'I love that the Wilson program allows me to teach reading skills in a systematic way with fidelity,” said Monica Roberts, Cardinal special education teacher.

And Green has seen students respond positively to the program after years of failed interventions.

'Personally, I have a child with dyslexia,” she said. 'It has become my passion to learn as much as I can about this learning difference to help him and the students at my school.”