Resources

Classroom Strategies + Tools!

Remember, I am just one student, and these are just some of the strategies that I have found work the best through my experience and research. Every student is different, but hopefully some of these will help your student too!

Taj approved!

Strong evidenceModerate evidenceEmerging evidence

Giving instructions

Reading & writing

Assignments & tests

Behavior & feedback

Classroom environment

Frameworks every teacher should know

Universal Design for Learning (UDL)Plan for variability from the start: multiple means of engagement, representation, and action & expression.Structured LiteracyExplicit, systematic, cumulative teaching of phonology, phonics, morphology, syntax and semantics. The recommended approach for dyslexia.MTSS / RTITiered support: strong core instruction for all (Tier 1), targeted small groups (Tier 2), intensive individual support (Tier 3). Uses data to decide who needs more.Accommodations vs. modificationsAccommodations change how a student learns or shows learning, with the same standard. Modifications change what they're expected to learn. Default to accommodations.IEP vs. 504 plan (U.S.)An IEP (IDEA) provides specialized instruction plus services. A 504 plan (Section 504) provides accommodations for equal access. Both are legally binding.Simple View of ReadingReading comprehension = decoding × language comprehension. Use it to find where a student's reading breaks down.

Popular myths to drop

Colored overlays help dyslexia

No good evidence. Dyslexia is language-based, not visual (AAP et al., 2011).

Dyslexia fonts improve reading

Controlled studies show no benefit over Arial or similar fonts (Wery & Diliberto, 2017).

Teach to learning styles

Matching instruction to 'visual/auditory' styles doesn't improve outcomes (Pashler et al., 2008).

Sugar causes ADHD

Meta-analyses find no effect of sugar on children's behavior (Wolraich et al., 1995, JAMA).

Kids outgrow ADHD

Symptoms often persist into adulthood, though they may change (Faraone et al., 2021).

Wait and see on reading

Early intervention is far more effective. Waiting lets gaps widen (Stanovich, 1986; Lovett et al., 2017).

Trusted organizations

Go deeper with research-backed guides.

International Dyslexia AssociationFact sheets and teacher guides.CHADDThe leading ADHD nonprofit — education resources.Understood.orgPractical tips for learning and thinking differences.Yale Center for Dyslexia & CreativityResearch, stories and classroom strategies.Additude MagazineADHD articles for teachers and families.