Executive functioning is one of the most important and least understood factors in academic success. As an educational diagnostician, I often meet students who are bright, capable, and motivated, yet continue to struggle in school. In many cases, the underlying issue is not a lack of ability, but weaknesses in executive functioning.
Dyslexia and Visual Processing Disorder (VPD) are often confused because both can make reading and learning feel much harder than expected. While they can look similar on the surface, they stem from different underlying challenges and require different types of support.
As students move into junior high and high school, writing demands increase quickly. Longer essays, note-taking, timed tests, and written responses across multiple subjects can make school especially challenging for students with dysgraphia. While dysgraphia doesn’t affect intelligence or creativity, it can make written expression slow, tiring, and frustrating. The good news? The right strategies can make a big difference.
One of the most common and painful misunderstandings in education is the assumption that a struggling student simply isn’t trying hard enough. We hear phrases like, “She’s capable but unmotivated,” “He just needs to apply himself,” or “She could do it if she wanted to.”
What Families of Students With Disabilities Need to Know Texas has recently passed a new school choice initiative that will begin in the 2026–2027 school year. As details continue to emerge, many families are hearing terms like voucher or Education Savings Account (ESA) for the first time—and understandably have questions.
Getting reluctant readers to engage with reading can be a gradual process that requires patience and creativity. Here are some practical tips: