by hallmonitor | Aug 12, 2020 | Latest News
Numerous studies have now shown that the way millions of American children are taught to read is not actually making them fluent readers. It is, instead, leading to lifelong learning struggles and, in some cases, the need for special education services that would not...
by hallmonitor | Jul 28, 2020 | Latest News, Parenting
“These headphones aren’t working,” nine-year-old Jeremiah Ryan said to his mom, Sheila. They fished around for another pair. Those were “broken” too, he said. And so were his brother’s ear buds and his sister’s headphones. After some back and forth, it became clear to...
by hallmonitor | Jun 24, 2020 | Latest News, Parenting
It was a gorgeous, crisp, spring morning when I sat down on Jasmin Dean’s back porch to walk through the dyslexia simulator. I had my pen ready, my Experience Dyslexia packet printed and neatly stapled. Like Dean, I grew up as a teacher’s pet. The academic work was...
by Inga Cotton | Jun 16, 2020 | Latest News
School districts and charter schools are planning what it will be like to go back to school during a pandemic. This summer, Mindshift ED, a group of parent advocates, has started a petition to speak up about the choices parents want for safety and equity. I signed...
by hallmonitor | Jun 10, 2020 | Latest News, Parenting
Growing up, Jasmin Dean remembers being a “teacher’s pet.” Her husband had been a teacher’s pet as well. They assumed that their bright, pleasing first born would be the same. The student who was “a delight to teach” and “the kind of student every teacher loves to...
by hallmonitor | May 27, 2020 | Latest News, Parenting
I have to admit that I was shocked when Maribel Gardea said that she was pleased with San Antonio ISD’s special education services during the COVID-19 school closures. Gardea’s son has multiple medical complexities, and she has been an active, vocal advocate. She’s...
