DYSLEXIA CONNECTION
OF EVANSTON
We are kids and their folks at Districts 65 + 202 that are
creating a place in Evanston where
dyslexics can meet and be empowered.
Our goal is simple;
lets find out
what kind of reading instruction our kids need
and work with the district to make sure they get it
while giving dyslexic kids
opportunities to
do things that they enjoy.
GROWING A DYSLEXIA ADVOCACY PARENT GROUP
A NATIONAL DISCUSSION
ZOOM MEETING WITH AN EXPERT PANEL MAY 18, 2022
Parents and educators are invited to talk to Northwestern Daily reporter, Aviva Bechky, who is doing a series on early literacy in District 65 and dyslexia screening.
Email the reporter to set up an interview: avivabechky2025@u.northwestern.edu
According to the Illinois State Board of Education's annual report card,
At District 65 in 2019,
Only 43% of all children
are reading at grade level.
For African American kids,
only 17% are reading
at grade level!
For Hispanic kids,
only 25% are reading
at grade level!
How can that be?
95% of kids can read at grade level
if they are taught correctly.
Here's an NPR documentary
podcast about the problems
inherent in the nation's most prevalent early literacy curriculum.
Here's a movie
about what an Ohio parent group
did to change the way their district
teaches reading.
Is your child struggling with reading?
So are ours.
We want to hear from you.
Let's work together
to improve our kid's education.
Please share your concerns with us.
Come to our October 27, 2021
Zoom meeting to learn more.
All are welcome and encouraged!
WHAT WE DO
3 things:
-
Host a monthly speaker series to help people understand dyslexia, followed by Q+A sessions. Your questions and suggestions shape our future.
-
Create a fun, informal gathering place to engender community by hosting monthly park meet-ups
-
Advocate for our children's right to learn to read using proven, scientifically based early literacy curriculum with explicit phonemic instruction.
Our founders
Dyslexia Consultant,
Mom of dyslexic
Shira Raviv Schwartz has been a classroom teacher working with diverse learners for over 25 years. Her background in Structured Word Inquiry and certification as a SLANT (Orton Gillingham) reading specialist, strong classroom management skills, and clear grasp on social/emotional and behavioral issues in students have informed her advocacy work.
Shira has a keen understanding of the supports needed for students struggling with dyslexia, autism, intellectual disability, executive functioning, anxiety, ADHD, SLD, developmental delay, emotional and behavioral challenges. When not advocating in over a dozen school districts, Shira serves on the board of Everyone Reading Illinois (formerly the Illinois Dyslexia Association) and is active in working on legislation in the areas of special education, dyslexia and diversity/inclusion at the state level.
Shira is the mother of 3 children, including a profoundly dyslexic high school student that is working towards independence.
Director, Evanston CASE
Mom of special needs kids
Kate Noble is the Executive Director of Evanston CASE, a non-profit advocacy, support, and education services organization that helps improve the lives of Evanston families affected by disability. She obtained the highest level of certification from the Council of Parent Advocates and Attorneys (COPPA). As a graduate of COPAA’s Special Education Advocate Training (SEAT) programs, Kate is fully prepared to advocate for her clients and the broader special education community.
Kate educates families on how to become the strongest advocates for their children. Her goal is to empower and educate parents and families as they navigate the complex special education system.
As a parent of two children with disabilities, Kate has experienced firsthand the challenges of the special education system.
Zafiro Papastratakos
Architectural Designer,
Mom of dyslexic
With over 20 years of experience as an architectural designer, Zafiro specializes in residential projects using modern design coupled with ancient building techniques that have weathered the ages and proven to be light on the earth.
She balances her career with parenting and tutoring her 10 year old dyslexic son, whose biggest desire is to be a gymnast inventor sailing youtuber who drives a Lambrigini!
When her son asked if he could meet other dyslexics in his school, this group was born.
Zafiro holds a Masters of Architecture from the U. of Oregon at Portland and a B.Arts from the U. of Illinois at Chicago.