San Antonio is gearing up to open a new charter school in 2024, designed specifically for students with dyslexia, a first of its kind in the city and one among only a handful in the United States. Approved by the State Board of Education, Celebrate Dyslexia, the nonprofit behind this venture, has sparked hope among parents and educators aiming to fill a critical void in specialized education. Nationwide, the struggle to support the rising number of dyslexic learners is real, with schools often unable to provide the necessary intervention.
The upcoming school currently in talks to set up in the DoSeum, intends to start with roughly 115 second-graders, expanding each year till sixth grade. Caught in the struggle to identify and support students with dyslexia, school systems have come to terms with the idea that diagnosis is only the start. After her own children struggled to find help within the regular school framework, Jasmin Dean founded Celebrate Dyslexia in 2019. "What good is a high school diploma if you can't read?" she told the San Antonio Express-News.
Designed to address the unique learning needs of dyslexic students, the educational approach at the charter school will feature certified academic language therapists who will integrate dyslexia intervention across all core subjects. The San Antonio Report highlighted Flor Gutiérrez, the school's hired superintendent, who turned to become a certified therapist after her daughter faced hurdles with existing education systems. With only 34 certified therapists in San Antonio, her decision was not just a move for personal relief, but a step towards a wider impact.
Additionally, the partnership with the DoSeum offers students an interactive learning experience that combines classroom activities with museum exhibits outside of busy times. According to Dan Menelly, CEO of the DoSeum, there's a natural alignment between the museum's goals and the school's objectives, fostering an exciting educational model. As children explore the DoSeum, they'll engage with abstract concepts in tangible ways. This immersive environment allows them to connect classroom learning with hands-on experiences, addressing challenges often faced when learning from textbooks alone.
Even with the new school, Celebrate Dyslexia continues its mission beyond classrooms. The nonprofit works to raise awareness about dyslexia and enhance support for dyslexic students from kindergarten through 12th grade. They use simulations and parental programs to show the challenges dyslexic students encounter. These efforts help families understand dyslexia's complexities, which go beyond just reading backwards. "Just to sit in those shoes and to imagine how hard it was for her to struggle," Simera Nichols-Bray, who has a daughter with dyslexia, disclosed her emotions during the simulation in a statement obtained by San Antonio Report.
