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FAQs
Understanding Dyslexia and How It Affects Learning.
Dyslexia is a common learning difference that primarily affects reading, spelling, and writing skills. It is not related to intelligence, but rather to how the brain processes written language.
Students with dyslexia often benefit from structured, evidence-based instruction that breaks language into clear, manageable steps - helping them build strong literacy skills, confidence, and long-term academic success.
Frequently Asked Questions
We understand that supporting students with dyslexia is a big decision. This section provides clear answers about our approach, instruction, and how we help each learner succeed.
What specialized training have you completed?
Ask whether the therapist has completed Take Flight training, ALTA certification, or another structured literacy training program.
What is your certification level?
Understanding the difference between a practitioner-level credential and a therapy-level credential can help parents make informed decisions. Please see Parent Resources - “Understanding Professional Credentials”.
How is instruction individualized?
Ask how lessons are adjusted to address your child's specific strengths and areas of difficulty.
How Is Progress Monitored?
Consistent progress monitoring is essential to understanding how a student is developing and whether newly learned skills are being successfully applied to reading and spelling. At Thrive Structured Literacy, I use curriculum-based assessments along with additional evidence-based assessment tools to evaluate student growth, identify areas of strength and continued need, and guide instructional decisions. This ongoing process allows me to tailor instruction to each student's individual needs and ensure that progress is carefully monitored throughout therapy.
How often will my child receive instruction?
Students with dyslexia benefit from repeated exposure, meaningful practice, and opportunities to review and reinforce previously taught concepts. Curriculum, developed by the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, is designed to be delivered four days per week to provide the consistency and intensity necessary for effective instruction. Following this prescribed schedule allows the therapist to deliver the curriculum with fidelity, ensuring that lessons build systematically and cumulatively while providing students with the repetition needed to develop lasting skills.When instruction occurs less frequently than recommended, students may require additional time to master concepts, retain previously taught skills, and make meaningful progress. As a result, completing the program may extend beyond the anticipated one- to two-year timeframe. Consistent attendance and adherence to the recommended instructional schedule are important components in helping students receive the full benefit of the program and make steady progress toward becoming confident readers and spellers.
Does instruction address both reading and spelling?
Reading and spelling are closely connected language skills, and effective dyslexia intervention should address both. At Thrive Structured Literacy, each lesson incorporates the five pillars of effective reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Instruction also explicitly integrates spelling (encoding), allowing students to apply their understanding of sounds, letters, and spelling patterns in both reading and writing.By teaching reading and spelling together, students strengthen their understanding of how spoken language connects to written language. This comprehensive, systematic approach provides repeated opportunities to practice, reinforce, and apply newly learned skills, helping students become more accurate, fluent, and confident readers and spellers.
What questions to Ask when interviewing a Dyslexia Specialist:
● What specialized training have you completed in dyslexia intervention?● Are you certified through a recognized professional organization?● Did your training include supervised clinical teaching?● Do you address both reading and spelling?● How do you monitor student progress?● How do you individualize instruction based on a student's needs?
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