How to advocate

Get involved!
IDA-UMB encourages everyone to become involved. Spread the knowledge that you’ve acquired! Share and watch for the warning signs of a struggling reader with your family, friends and teachers. Remember: there is no developmental delay. Early intervention with effective research-based strategies spares a child a lifetime of low self-esteem, gives them the tools and strategies to succeed in life, and allows individuals to reach their full potential. You can make a difference!

But, I’m just a parent; what can I do?
Knowledgeable parents are extremely powerful. Check out the outreach toolkit from Reading Rockets (“Toolkit for Outreach Coordinators”) here. This free toolkit provides handouts and materials to make it easy for anyone to offer literacy workshops. Included in the kit are video modules that show what works in teaching and how to help ensure all kids become proficient readers. Share this with your PTA, at your church or local community center. Hold a free informational awareness event within your community. Your grassroots efforts can make a difference.

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Here's an upcoming event where you can get first-hand information on how one grassroots advocacy group has made a difference right here, in our own community...

Please join us for this important public policy event!

IDA-UMB Speakers Series:
MN Reading Reform–How a Grassroots Effort Made a Difference
Featuring John Alexander, M.Ed., Head of School for Groves Academy

Sunday, May 2, 2010
1 to 3pm
Southdale Library
7001 York Avenue South, Edina, MN

With the achievement gap in reading growing and with their own children struggling to learn to read in school, a group of moms first gathered in 2006 to find an answer to the seemingly simple question, "Why does my intelligent child, normal in every other way, struggle so when trying to read?" As the moms learned more about scientifically based reading instruction, they realized that all too often good reading instruction was not being provided in schools throughout both Minnesota and the nation. The group's mission changed from helping their own children to changing the system for the benefit of all students. Learn more about the journey of an effective grassroots movement, the success the organization has had, and the work left for those so inspired. Not only will we discuss policy change as a result of the grassroots movement, we will also examine what constitutes good reading instruction and why this instruction is often not present in our schools.

About our presenter: John Alexander is the head of school of Groves Academy. During his twenty-four year career in reading, he has taught struggling readers and has been involved in teacher training using scientifically based reading instruction. A member of the International Dyslexia Association, he has given many presentations and workshops in the field of reading at local, state, and national venues. He served on the Minnesota Reading Task Force and has been involved in legislative efforts to better prepare teachers to teach reading in our public schools. He was recently awarded a national literacy award from the National Association of Reading First.

There is no cost to attend this speaker series event...but RSVPs are recommended and space is limited. For easy online registration link here.