Lecture Series

Lecture Series 2011/2012

All lectures are from 7 - 8:30pm with time allowed for questions.

All lectures are held at Hamlin Robinson School.

There is a suggested donation of $10 for each event.

Clock hours available through My 24/7

Location: Hamlin Robinson School

1700 East Union, Capitol Hill, Seattle

Please park on the blacktop through the small dirveway off of Pike St.

You will enter the school through the back door. Watch for signs.

In case of adverse weather, please check the HRS homepage.

Directions to Hamlin Robinson School

Post a flyer of the lectures! Download it here.

Oct. 13, Thursday

Journey into Dyslexia

Preview of the HBO Documentary

This moving film brings to light what dyslexia is and the horrendous toll it can take on an individual's ability to be successful in a school setting. The film is primarily a series of interviews, including an author, researchers in the field of dyslexia, a high school teacher, college professors, successful adults with dyslexia and students across grade levels.

Nov. 17, Thursday

Dyslexia 101

Jennifer Bloch Garcia

Local learning specialist, Jennifer Bloch Garcia will explain the basic characteristics of dyslexia. This presentaion is designed for teachers or family members who want to better understand their dyslexic students and children. Jennifer will describe specific areas of weakness common to people with dyslexia, difficulties people with dyslexia encounter in various stages of life, and essential components of reading programs that meet the needs of students with dyslexia, as outlined by the National Reading Panel and current research.

Jan 12, Thursday

Assessment and Diagnosis of Dyslexia

Bonnie Meyer

Feb. 9, Thursday

The Big 5 of the National Reading Panel

Kendra Wagner

In any language, there are 5 important components. These become second nature in order for reading to flow smoothly and for the reader to engage deeply. The National Reading Panel (2000) defined these five major areas that need to be taught: Phonemic Awareness, Phonics and the Alphabetic Principle, Fluency, Vocabulary and Comprehension. Ms. Wagner will cover the nuances of each of these, and give participants particular tips on Vocabulary and Comprehension, important for students with dyslexia or ANY reader. Ms. Wagner ownes Reading*Writing*Thinking, where she works directly with students, on-on-one. She also coaches parents and teachers in literacy instruction and learning disabilities. She has worked as a literacy coach and reading specialist, and presented at IDA conferences locally and nationally. She has co-authored several books on Reading Instruction, through the Consortium on Reading Excellence.

April 12, Thursday

Intervention & the Dyslexia Friendly Classroom

Beverly Wolf

Ms. Wolf, nationally recognized teacher, author, and dyslexia expert, will discuss teaching strategies and accommodations for making a classroom a safe and appropriate environment for students with dyslexia.

May 17, Thursday

Understanding the Law: Special Education and 504 Services in the Public Schools

Jeannette Cohen, M.Ed., J.D.

This lecture will provide a basic understanding of special education law (the IDEA) and 504 as well as basic understanding of how to write an IEP or 504 Plan, how children qualify, and what services can be provided. We will compare and contrast the requirements for special education qualifications to 504 qualification, explain how to follow the procedures to get a student qualified for either special ed or a 504 Plan, and discuss when and how to get help.