114. But what exactly are we “waiting to see”? with Barb Golub (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

What does dyslexia actually look like – from preschool through high school – and how can educators recognize when a student’s struggles may be telling us something more?

In this Dyslexia Awareness Month bonus episode, Certified Dyslexia Therapist and teacher educator Barb Golub joins the show for an honest, practical, and incredibly fun conversation about recognizing and supporting students with dyslexia.

Barb shares the personal story that ultimately led her into dyslexia therapy, and explains why dyslexia can be easy to miss, particularly in bright students who have become skilled at compensating. She walks through signs educators and families might notice at different ages. We also dig into why multilingual learners may be under-identified for dyslexia and why evaluators must consider both language acquisition and reading development rather than defaulting to a “wait and see” approach.

They also discuss what needs to change at the systems level, why intervention shouldn’t become a permanent placement without meaningful progress, and what general education teachers can do when they suspect a student is struggling – even when they don’t have a specialist standing beside them.

And because it’s Barb, the episode ends with push-ups, miniature tchotchkes, irregular high-frequency words, crispy Diet Coke, and some literacy hot takes… obviously!

Key Takeaways:

  • What dyslexia is – and some persistent misconceptions about it
  • Signs of dyslexia from preschool through adolescence
  • Dyslexia therapy versus traditional tutoring
  • Fidelity, dosage, mastery, and responsive instruction
  • Why strong instruction for dyslexic readers can also support other readers
  • The importance of vetting literacy materials and practices

Connect with Barb Golub: