MORE THAN 800 PEOPLE
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FREE DYSLEXIA SCREENING FOR ALL!
...and DPS heard us!
Many of us wrote to the DPS board, made public comments, signed the petition in favor of the dyslexia screening policy promulgated by Director Auon’tai Anderson. When the DPS board voted, they opted to make dyslexia screening an “Ends Policy.” That policy reads, in pertinent part:
All students, regardless of home language status, will be screened for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and will be identified at an early age and begin receiving interventions prior to the completion of second grade to provide a solid foundation for learning. In addition, the district commits to screening new students entering the district.
This addition to DPS board policy is an affirmative step toward early identification of dyslexia for all students and would not have occurred without your efforts. But our work is not done. DenCoKID continues to dialogue with DPS to (1) determine how the district will make the screening a reality provided for in the policy, (2) advocate that the screening take place in kindergarten and first grade, and (3) ensure that the district attends to the needs of older students whose dyslexia was not identified and remediated in early elementary grades.
Now, let's make it happen statewide!
Colorado Senate Bill SB23-181 has been introduced to assure early screening for dyslexia and to provide appropriate interventions in all school districts in Colorado.
As students, parents, family members, teachers, community members, and activists, we need you to tell our legislators why screening and early intervention for ALL COLORADO children is critical, and why the current READ Act simply isn’t enough.
Contact our state legislators today to leave a phone message or send an email voicing your support.
Click here for information on what to say and whom to contact.
MISSION
DenCoKID builds our community's awareness of dyslexia, provides a web of support for the families and educators of students with dyslexia, and advocates for improved learning outcomes for all Denver kids.
LITERACY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL!
ABOUT
DenCoKID is based in Denver, Colorado.
Our group was born out of a statewide organization called COKID, Colorado Kids Identified with Dyslexia.
We are a grassroots group of mostly families and educators dedicated to matching other families and educators, in Denver County, with supports for individuals with dyslexia; advocating for early identification and the most effective, school-based instruction for kids with dyslexia and other language-based learning differences in ALL Denver schools; and we seek to work collaboratively to increase awareness and educate the community about dyslexia and other language-based learning differences.
Whether you are a parent/guardian of a struggling learner or you are a teacher wondering how you can help,
DenCoKID is here for you.
Join us!
ADVOCACY & EQUITY
Advocating for school-based screening and early identification of dyslexia
Promoting the science of reading through structured literacy in all schools
Educating our community about current dyslexia research and learning opportunities
Collaborating with the Denver Public School District and other community partners
Supporting local, state, and federal policy and legislation
PARENT & FAMILY SUPPORT
Common signs of dyslexia at home
Ins-and-outs of an IEP and 504
Success stories and pitfalls
"Look fors" in school selection
Shared-resources for private evaluations and tutors
You're not alone! Join us for our monthly meetings or family-friendly events!
WELCOME EDUCATORS!
Red flags for dyslexia in the classroom
A guide to classroom resources and curricula based on the science of reading
Support in accessing dyslexia research and professional development
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Did you know...
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services estimates that 15% of the population has Dyslexia.
Children have a 50% chance of having dyslexia if one parent has it. And a 100% chance if both parents have it.
Dyslexia is a neurobiological difference in the way the brain processes language.
Individuals with dyslexia do not actually see words or letters backward.
According to the National Institute of Health, dyslexia is identifiable, with 92% accuracy, at ages 5 1/2 to 6 ½.
Dyslexia is the most common learning disability.
Reading failure is the most commonly shared characteristic of juvenile justice offenders.
As many as 75% of individuals in the criminal justice system have a learning disability.
Only 37% of teacher preparation programs adhere to principles most effective in dyslexia remediation.
Dyslexia does not equate to IQ or overall intelligence.
Famous dyslexics: Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Mohammad Ali, Richard Branson and Octavia Spencer.
CONTACT US
DenCoKID’s intent is to help families and educators in creating a web of support with others having similar experiences. This group operates independently of any outside service organization and is not intended to provide educational, medical, legal, or counseling service or advice.
720-222-4704
RESOURCES
DenCoKID is a community, organically formed, by people who have been touched by dyslexia. Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin which impacts individuals, families, schools, and communities in very different ways. As a group, we share our collective experiences and support each other through our journeys. There is a dizzying amount of information regarding, education centers, advocates, tutors, legal supports, and intervention, concerning dyslexia. Some of our favorite starting points to learn more are...
Colorado Department of Education Dyslexia Page
The Rocky Mountain Branch of the International Dyslexia Association
Additional information, compiled by DenCoKID