Are you wondering where to start as a parent of a child who is struggling in school? We know that supporting your student’s educational journey can feel overwhelming –  so today we are sharing one helpful resource along with a recommendation for an organization that can help tremendously as you navigate the process. 

Redwood Recommends: Equip for Equality

Throughout Redwood’s existence, we have partnered many times with Equip for Equality – and we cannot recommend them highly enough. Equip for Equality is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to advance the human and civil rights of people with disabilities by promoting principles of equality, self-determination, and dignity.

For parents seeking to advocate for their child's educational rights, Equip for Equality offers invaluable resources and guidance. They provide free, one-on-one technical assistance to inform individuals about their rights, alternative options, and strategies for effective self-advocacy. Additionally, their Training Institute on Disability Rights offers seminars on topics such as special education rights, helping parents navigate the complexities of the educational system. If you’re feeling stuck, reaching out to Equip for Equality is an excellent first step.

Recently, I attended an event hosted by their organization and was deeply impressed by their expertise and dedication. One of the key takeaways from the event was the importance of requesting a formal evaluation for your child if you suspect they have learning differences. Submitting this request in writing ensures that your concerns are officially documented and taken seriously by your child’s school. 

Free Resource: Sample Advocacy Letter

To assist you in this process, I’ve included a sample advocacy letter based on one I previously wrote for a Redwood Literacy student. This letter serves as an example of how to frame your request effectively. 

A critical component of advocating for your child is using data to support your request. For instance, you can leverage information from your student’s sessions at Redwood Literacy or reports provided by their school. If you choose to use school-provided reports, it’s essential to thoroughly understand the data and how it reflects your child’s unique needs.

If you’d like additional support in understanding your students’ data and drafting your advocacy letter, Redwood Literacy is here to help. You can reach out to us at admissions@redwoodliteracy.com, and we’d be happy to serve as a second set of eyes for you. I also strongly encourage you to consult with Equip for Equality as you draft your own letter, as their team can provide tailored advice specific to your child’s situation.

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To whom it may concern, on February 16th, 2022:

I’m writing this letter on behalf of (student name), a current student at (school name). STUDENT was evaluated at Redwood Literacy. Her scores fall below the 1st percentile in reading rate, reading accuracy, reading fluency, and reading comprehension as measured by the WIST and the Gort-5. Please click here to view that report. This was at the beginning of her 2nd grade year. These percentile scores are very concerning, as they indicate that STUDENT was behind 99% of her age-based peers nationwide.

Percentiles are so important, as you know, because they help us identify students who likely have a neurodivergent learning profile and will likely require screening, norm-referenced assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and continual progress monitoring to close their academic gap. STUDENT’s percentiles in 2021 indicate that a learning difference, or even multiple learning differences, might be a part of her learner profile. As proven by ongoing research, the earlier these can be identified in her educational career, the better set up for success she will be.

STUDENT is a brilliant, high-energy, creative girl whose future is bright and full of opportunity. According to federal and state law, STUDENT’s parents have the right to ask for an evaluation of their daughter if they have concerns about her current academic performance. I am requesting that STUDENT undergo a full evaluation that screens for dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and ADHD so that she can be set up to receive the support she needs to achieve her full potential. Feel free to contact me with any further questions at XXX-XXX-XXX.

In partnership,

STUDENT’s parent

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We hope this letter is a helpful start in making a meaningful difference in your student’s education. Remember that both Equip for Equality and Redwood Literacy are here to partner with you every step of the way in this journey. We’re rooting for you!

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This post was originally written by Kait Feriante in 2023. It was edited by the Redwood team in November of 2024.