136: Dyslexia Advocacy & Assessment: How Parents Can Partner with Schools to Identify and Support Struggling Readers

Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, Wendy Taylor is joined by Jenny Ponzuric, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and certified school neuropsychologist with over two decades of experience in psychoeducational assessment. Together, they walk listeners through how to recognize early signs of dyslexia, how to advocate for meaningful school-based evaluations, and what effective intervention actually looks like—beyond just extra time and preferential seating.
You’ll hear about the importance of asking the right questions, how to understand the difference between medical and educational definitions of dyslexia, and what it really means to collaborate with your IEP team as a data-informed parent. Whether your child is just starting to struggle with reading or already has an IEP in place, this conversation is filled with guidance, clarity, and actionable next steps.
Key Takeaways:

1. How to ask data-driven, strategic questions at IEP meetings
2. What a comprehensive dyslexia evaluation should—and should not—look like
3. Why early intervention and targeted instruction matter more than generic supports

Connect with Wendy Taylor
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility
Instagram: @learningessentials
LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor
Facebook: Learning Essentials
Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist on Apple | All platforms
Connect with Jenny Ponzuric
Website: www.jennyponzuric.com
Podcast: The Prepared School Psych Podcast

Further Resources to Explore:

• International Dyslexia Association: Dyslexia Basics
• U.S. Department of Education “Dear Colleague” Letter (2015)
• Understanding the PSW (Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses) Model