The Liberty School

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services. Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, dyslexics can learn successfully. (International Dyslexia Association)

Key Characteristics

• Has difficulty acquiring and using written language (reading and writing)
• May be slow learning to speak
• Has trouble organizing written and spoken language
• Has difficulty memorizing number facts
• May not be able to read quickly enough to comprehend
• Has trouble learning to spell
• Often has difficulty learning a foreign language
• Makes errors in math operations
  

The Liberty School Program for Dyslexics

Dyslexia occurs in people of all backgrounds and intellectual levels. People who are very bright can be dyslexic. They are often capable, or even gifted, in areas that do not require strong language skills such as art, computer science, design, drama, electronics, math, mechanics, music, physics, sales, and sports. These strengths need to be developed and honored for both the intellectual and social/emotional well being of the child.

Students with dyslexia need a learning environment that supports receptive expressive language development,  is supportive of their needs, honors and teaches to their strengths, and remediates their specific learning disability.

These students need to be taught language skills by qualified language therapists using research based instructional methods that are proven to work; they also need classroom instructors who understand individualized instruction to meet their specific learning needs.

THE LIBERTY SCHOOL provides such a setting and instruction for students with dyslexia.

Additional Resources