Educational Advocacy & Consulting

02/13/2026

Black History Month invites us to reflect on the history of inequity in education, and the work that still remains.

Education should be a pathway to opportunity, voice, and freedom. Yet access to appropriate supports has not been equitable for all families. Disparities in identification, services, and outcomes continue to affect students today.

At EAC, we are committed to standing with families, helping them navigate complex systems, and advocating for fair, appropriate support for every child.

02/12/2026

Time well spent making friends with this incredible organization🫶

02/11/2026

Families often ask if there is a “standard” dyslexia evaluation. While there isn’t one single test used everywhere, high-quality dyslexia evaluations follow a consistent process.

An evaluation typically begins with a review of a child’s developmental, educational, and reading history. From there, a trained professional works one-on-one with the child using structured tasks that look at reading, spelling, language processing, and related skills. These tasks are designed to understand how a child learns, not to catch them making mistakes.

The evaluation also includes careful observation and ends with a written report that explains the findings in clear language and outlines specific, evidence-based recommendations for support.

The goal is clarity. A strong evaluation helps families move forward with confidence, knowing what their child needs and why.

02/10/2026

02/09/2026

If standardized testing makes you nervous, you’re not alone.

With new formats and shifting expectations, it’s normal to feel unsure about what this means for your child.

A few proactive steps can make a big difference, especially for students who need accommodations.

Read through for ways to prepare and support your child with confidence.

02/06/2026

One of the most common questions we hear is about the difference between an IEP and a Section 504... and there’s a lot of misinformation out there.

A 504 plan provides accommodations for equal access.
An IEP provides accommodations and direct, specialized instruction to help close learning gaps.

A 504 is not an “IEP light.” If a student needs specialized instruction, a 504 alone may not be enough. Knowing the difference matters when advocating for the support your child truly needs.

Have questions about eligibility or next steps? We’re here to help.

02/05/2026

Ready to take your WRS instruction deeper?

The WRS Advanced Strategies for MSL Group Instruction course is designed for educators who already have a strong foundation in Wilson and are ready to refine their small-group practice.

Over three virtual days, participants will focus on:
• Differentiating WRS Lesson Blocks 1–3
• Planning effective, responsive small-group instruction
• Building word-conscious lessons that support spelling and writing fluency
• Supporting student access to complex literary and informational texts
• Selecting texts and tasks to strengthen fluency and comprehension

📅 July 6–8
🕘 9:00 AM–3:00 PM ET
💻 Virtual | 15 hours total

Prerequisite: WRS Level I Certification + bachelor’s degree in education (or related field)

Spots are currently enrolling. Click the link-in-bio to learn more and register.

02/03/2026

Sharing our February newsletter. ✉

This month, we’re reflecting on supporting children during uncertain times, sharing advocacy updates, and offering practical guidance for families navigating special education.

02/02/2026

This is a question many families have. It’s normal to wonder how advocacy might affect communication with the school.

At EAC, our work is grounded in keeping the student at the center of every conversation. We help families navigate meetings and decisions thoughtfully, with the goal of maintaining strong working relationships while ensuring a child’s needs don’t get lost in the process.

If you’ve been unsure whether support could help, this is a good place to start.

01/30/2026

Preparing for a school meeting can feel overwhelming.

Keeping a record is one of the best ways to prepare for IEP meetings.

Daily notes about homework time, tears, confusion, forgotten materials, or school avoidance aren’t “small things.” They’re data.

When families bring real, day-to-day examples into a meeting, they’re not just sharing concerns, they’re showing patterns. That’s what helps the IEP team truly understand what’s happening and why support or intervention is needed.

You are an equal member of your child’s team. Your observations matter, and your data gives them weight.

Save this video if you have an upcoming meeting, and follow along for more tips.

01/28/2026

Join us for the Everyone Reading Illinois Dyslexia Awareness Fundraiser featuring Emmy-nominated actor and dyslexia advocate Ameer Baraka. Hear his inspiring story of transformation—from incarceration and illiteracy to award-winning actor, author, and champion for literacy.

01/28/2026

Stephanie Dawson brings over 20 years of experience advocating for students and families within public school systems.

A Virginia state-certified Special Education teacher and Educational Diagnostician, Stephanie has served as a special education teacher, diagnostician, and designee, giving families clear, informed guidance through evaluations, IEPs, and school-based services.

She specializes in dyslexia and specific learning disabilities and has supported hundreds of families nationwide in securing appropriate accommodations and meaningful educational progress. Her work is grounded in data, compassion, and practical next steps families can trust.

✨ Free 30-minute consultation available
Schedule time to connect with Stephanie through the link in our bio.