Photo Credit: Office of Rep. Bruce Westerman
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On Monday, March 7, 2016, Congressman Bruce Westerman of the Fourth District of Arkansas hosted a Congressional Dyslexia Forum titled "A Practical Guide for Implementing Dyslexia Intervention" in Hot Springs, Arkansas.
The forum showcased examples of successful implementation of interventions using evidenced-based resources. With appropriate interventions, students with dyslexia can get the assistance they need to succeed academically, professionally, and personally. Parents, teachers, students, school administrators, and state education leaders interested in dyslexia and evidenced based interventions attended.
Congressman Westerman provided an update on federal dyslexia legislation. Panelists showcased successful remediation stories; discussed the challenges of implementation, effective screening, and funding; highlighted a school district in Florida that has implemented a successful dyslexia program; and explored evidence-based dyslexia research and resources.
Congressman Westerman partnered with the Arkansas Department of Education for the forum, and 500-700 people attended.
Keynote Speakers
Drs. Sally and Bennett Shaywitz, Co-directors of the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity
Panelists
Ms. Rachel Vitti, Architectural founder of The GRASP Academy, a public school of choice, in Jacksonville, Florida, created to serve students that fit a dyslexic profile. Rachel's husband, Dr. Nikolai Vitti, is the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, including GRASP Academy
Ms. Kim Lorey Head, Head of Decoding Dyslexia — Arkansas
Mr. Reed Lynch, Graduate of the University of Arkansas; DeQueen native diagnosed with dyslexia in early elementary school
Congressman Bruce Westerman
Organizer of Congressional Dyslexia Forum
Representative Westerman is a lifelong resident of Garland County. An engineer and forester for 22 years at Mid-South Engineering in Hot Springs, Westerman is a registered professional engineer and forester. Twice elected to the Arkansas General Assembly, Westerman was Arkansas’ first Republican House Majority Leader since Reconstruction. He serves on the Committee on Natural Resources, the Committee on the Budget, and the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, where he is the Vice Chair of the Environment Subcommittee.
