What schools can—and can’t—do for dyslexia. Jill Stowell explores the limits of RTI and MTSS in schools, the importance of early screening, and why true reading success depends on strengthening underlying processing skills. She shares practical, research-based interventions—like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, and symbol mastery—that help students become confident, independent readers.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Dyslexia support at school often means extra reading practice or classroom accommodations, but those alone don’t resolve the root challenges.

In this episode, Jill Stowell explains what schools can and can’t do for dyslexic students, why early screening matters, and what kinds of targeted interventions truly prepare students to become confident, independent readers.

• What RTI and MTSS provide in schools—and the structural limits of these supports for dyslexic learners.
• Why underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic processing skills must be developed for lasting reading success.
• Examples of effective interventions like The Listening Program, Enhanced Lateralization, symbol mastery, and movement-based activities.

SHOW NOTES

• California Dept. of Education
• Reading Rockets
• Advanced Brain Technologies
• The Listening Program (TLP)
• California CDE: K–2 universal screening begins 2025–26; screening informs instruction, is not a diagnosis/high-stakes measure; districts to adopt from an approved list. California Department of Education
• CDE Approved Screeners (Dec 17, 2024): Amira, mCLASS with DIBELS 8/Lectura, ROAR (gr 1–2), UCSF Multitudes. California Department of Education
• Parent notifications/timelines (CAHelp summary): opt-out and results timelines. cahelp.org
• National MTSS context: Tier 2/3 small-group/intensive supports with progress monitoring; state examples require immediate MTSS after risk flags. Reading Rockets+2Ohio Department of Education+2
• Phonemic awareness prevalence: ~25–30% with deficit in a key component of phonological awareness (Lindamood, 1992).

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges.

Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.

When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444

👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

Finally, an answer for dyslexia. In this episode, Jill Stowell reveals what dyslexia really feels like, why bright students struggle, and the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing difficult. Real stories show both the challenges and the hidden strengths of dyslexic learners, while parents gain clear steps to recognize the signs, talk openly with their child, and seek real solutions.

IN THIS EPISODE:

Dyslexia isn’t a problem of effort or intelligence—it’s a difference in how the brain processes information.

Jill Stowell explains the lived experience of dyslexia and breaks down the underlying auditory, visual, and kinesthetic factors that make reading and writing hard, while offering clear next steps for parents and teachers.

Real stories highlight both the struggles and the strengths of dyslexic learners.

• What dyslexia feels like day to day, and why bright, creative students may still struggle in school.
• The three core components: auditory processing (sound discrimination/sequence), visual processing and disorientation, and kinesthetic/writing challenges (including dysgraphia).
• Practical guidance for parents: recognize the signs, talk openly with your child, and seek solutions that strengthen underlying skills—not just classroom accommodations.

Show Notes:

• Teri Lawton, Path To Reading - https://pathtoreading.com/

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.

When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444

👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

Parenting a child with dyslexia, ADHD, executive function struggles, or other learning differences can leave parents stuck in constant overwhelm. In this episode, Jill Stowell talks with parenting and high-performance coach Miyoki Chan about how parents can move beyond burnout and shift from “just surviving” to parenting with intention, clarity, and peace.

In this episode:

✅ How to recognize the signs of survival mode and why “I’m fine” is often a mask

✅ Small “micro-activities” that calm the nervous system and bring balance back to busy days

✅ Rewriting old narratives and creating a healthier mindset for yourself and your family

Miyoki Chan

• Website: PlentifuLearning.com
• Facebook: @plentifulearning
• Instagram: @plentifulearning
• LinkedIn: Miyoki Chan
• Book (Pre-Sale Starts Oct 6, 2025): "Breaking Through Survival Mode"

High performance isn’t about perfection—it’s about having the right skills to learn, focus, and thrive. In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell shares how addressing dyslexia, auditory processing, executive function, and other underlying learning challenges can unlock a student’s true potential.

In this episode:

• Discover why bright students can still struggle—and why challenges don’t “just go away” with age

• Learn what’s hidden beneath the surface of reading, attention, and follow-through difficulties

• See how strengthening foundational skills creates lasting change for school, work, and life success

If your child struggles with reading comprehension, memory, attention, or self-regulation despite their intelligence, this conversation will show you what’s really possible—and how to get there.

STOWELL LEARNING CENTER

At Stowell Learning Centers, we help children and adults break free from the constant struggles associated with dyslexia and other learning challenges. Despite what you might have been told, your child doesn't have to “just live with it” and every day doesn't have to feel like a battle for them or for you.

When you're ready for real, lasting change, give us a call: 877-774-0444

👉 Click StowellCenter.com to schedule a call, or to find information and free resources

Back-to-School Anxiety in Teens: Reframe It, Calm It, Support It

The weeks leading up to a new school year can bring excitement—but for many teens, they bring anxiety, disrupted sleep, and a rising sense of dread. In this episode, licensed therapist Jamie Roberts joins Jill Stowell to unpack what’s really happening in the brain during transitions, and how parents can support a calmer, more confident start to school.

Together, they explore:

• What the “fresh start effect” is—and how it can backfire
• Signs of back-to-school anxiety that parents often overlook
• Grounding tools and mindset shifts that help students feel safe and capable

Jamie also shares simple, science-backed mindfulness strategies from her book Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety, and explains how to help teens shift their inner narrative to one of resilience and emotional balance.

⸻

SHOW NOTES

Jamie Roberts

ⓘ Instagram: @neurodivergenttherapist

-

🌐 Equilibrium Counseling Services

🌐 NeuroPebble – Professional Training for Supporting Neurodivergent Youth

ⓘ Instagram: @neuropebble

-

📕 Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety – A compassionate, practical guide to helping teens manage stress and overwhelm

Available on Amazon

-

▶️ Jamie Roberts on the LD Expert Podcast: Teen Anxiety

⸻

CONNECT WITH US

🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/

📞 877-774-0444

📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/

The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

Starting strong this school year isn’t about being a “good student”—it’s about learning how to learn.

In this episode of the LD Expert Podcast, Jill Stowell is joined by study skills coach Jessyka Coulter to share practical strategies that help middle and high school students feel more confident, organized, and in control of their learning.

You’ll hear:

• Why study skills matter more than subject content

• When and how to start teaching kids how to study

• The top 3 skills teens need now: note-taking, time management, and goal setting

• Tips for customizing study habits based on learning style

• How to handle unmotivated students—or unhelpful teachers

Jessyka’s “Love to Learn” method has helped countless students build the structure and mindset they need to succeed in school and beyond. If your child resists help or feels overwhelmed, this episode is packed with tools you can start using today.

2025 *Learn It* FREE Back-To-School Virtual Event Info and Registration Jessyka Coulter 🌐 Website: AceCookieTutoring.com ⓘ Instagram: @acecookietutoring ⓕ Facebook: @acecookietutoring Jessyka Coulter on the LD Expert Podcast ▶️ "Smart but Struggling" - What Does it Mean? - Jessyka Coulter, Love to Learn 2023 ▶️ How to Support Your Dyslexic Teen - Jessyka Coulter, Fall into High School & Beyond 2024

CONNECT WITH US

🌐 https://stowellcenter.com/

📞 877-774-0444

📞 https://stowellcenter.com/call/

The challenges associated with dyslexia or other learning disabilities can actually be dramatically improved when we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the underlying skills that are missing or lagging. Contrary to popular belief, your child doesn’t have to “just live with it” for the rest of their life. Every day doesn’t have to be a battle.

When parenting feels like a daily battle, there’s usually more going on beneath the surface. This episode explores how behavior is communication—and how understanding sensory needs can bring peace, connection, and joy back into your home.

In this heartfelt episode, occupational therapist Cherie Francis-Boegeman joins Jill Stowell to explore how sensory needs, emotional safety, and connection can bring calm and joy back to your parenting journey. This conversation is real, validating, and full of hope.

In this episode:

✅ Why “bad behavior” is often a sign of lagging sensory and emotional skills

✅ The power of unstructured play and 3D movement in child development

✅ Practical ways to reduce meltdowns and reconnect as a family

SHOW NOTES

Cherie Francis-Boegeman

🌐 Launch Pad Therapy for Kids

📷 Instagram

📘 Facebook

Books Mentioned

📖 Sensory Integration and Learning Disorders – A. Jean Ayres

📖 Balanced and Barefoot – Angela J. Hanscom

Collaborative Problem Solving

🧠 About CPS and upcoming classes

▶️ What is CPS?

▶️ CPS episode with Stuart Ablon

▶️ CPS episode with Debra Ann Afarian

Connect with Stowell Learning Center

🌐 Visit our website

📞 Talk to a Learning Specialist

📞 877-774-0444

The challenges that come with dyslexia and learning differences don’t have to last a lifetime. When we stop using Band-Aid approaches and start strengthening the root skills that are missing, real, lasting change is possible—for your child and your family.

What if your child’s learning challenges could actually be eliminated—not just accommodated?

In this powerful conversation from The Freedom Scholar Podcast, host Kami Wanous and Jill Stowell uncover why smart kids struggle in school—and how learning disabilities like dyslexia, ADHD, and auditory processing issues don’t have to be lifelong. You’ll learn what’s really going on beneath the surface, why accommodations fall short, and what it takes to actually change the brain for lasting success.

🎧 In this episode:

• Why many bright students still struggle in school

• How underlying processing skills affect attention, learning, and confidence

• What it takes to correct—not just cope with—learning challenges

Download the free Learning Skills Continuum to better understand what skills your child needs to succeed → Download it here

Want to talk to a learning specialist about your child? Schedule a free call