Michael Kaczor

Interviewed by Deb Rafferty Decoding Dyslexia New York

Hi Michael. Thanks for taking the time to advocate for all children with disabilities, spread awareness for Dyslexia and make a difference. How long have you been advocating for children? I have been advocating for children for over 18 years. May I ask, why did you start advocating for children? I started advocating for other children after my own, who we found to have Dyslexia, was able to be successful in school with the proper instruction. I wanted to utilize some of the aspects I learned (through a long and arduous path) to help others. Particularly, about their parental rights and procedural safeguards in hopes that they would not have to go through what my son and I did. What do you believe is the biggest set-back in getting help for so many children? The biggest setback is getting districts to invest in their teachers by providing them with a Multi-Sensory Language instruction from a Certified Academic Language Therapist. Additionally, getting this evidence based program delivered with fidelity.

Advocate in the Spotlight -Michael KaczorInterviewed by Deb Rafferty Decoding Dyslexia New York

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Would you agree then, our public schools need to provide teachers that are trained in some evidence based program and make certain that the program is instructed on protocol, evidence and science? Yes! Most definitely. Recently, you traveled to Washington D.C with the National Center for Learning Disabilities (NCLD). You were joined by other parents, professionals and concerned citizens. Can you tell us a little bit about your advocacy efforts at our Capitol? In my most recent trip to the Capitol, I met with elected officials individually and as a group (in collaboration with NCLD). We discussed many topics with legislators, particularly The re-authorization of the ESEA (Elementary and Secondary Education Act). As part of this, we stressed the importance of assessing all students. Providing effective, evidence based teaching practices by teachers that have the training and expertise to successfully instruct all children. Myself and others advocated for limiting the cap on alternate assessments to 1%. What that means is that school districts would only be able to take 1% of the students and place them in an alternate assessment program. This program is not based on the same standards of instruction as the rest of the students not is it based on the same curriculum. I believe ALL children count.

Advocate in the Spotlight -Michael KaczorInterviewed by Deb Rafferty Decoding Dyslexia New York

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We urged legislators to keep anti-restraint and antiseclusion amendments in the proposed legislation.

We also advocated for policy change to incorporate early identification and remediation of learning disabilities. The sooner we help students at an early age the sooner they are able to reap the benefits of correct instruction. This is really important.
Michael, many say that providing this is not cost effective. I disagree. I believe we spend too much time, money and resources on ineffective remediation. Often too late. Also, if we dont provide meaningful instruction, society is impacted. There are too many studies that correlate low literacy rates with prison, welfare, food stamps, etc. Can you comment on this? The Dr. Moody study in 2000 had the prison population at 2 million. Based on the study, it was approximated that 48% have Dyslexia. That is a startling number. How would these numbers be reduced if we teach these bright children how to read? If we give these children a chance to succeed in a world that requires reading at a respectable level? That is a world I want to see. Who did you meet with in Washington D.C.? We met with many policy makers. In particular, I met with Fern Goodhar, New Mexico Public Education Department from Senator Udals office and we had a lengthy discussion about some of the issues in New Mexico with regards to diplomas at risk (a new study by NCLD). We also discussed a snapshot of our graduation rates for disabled children compared to the national average

Advocate in the Spotlight -Michael KaczorInterviewed by Deb Rafferty Decoding Dyslexia New York

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We also met with the Senior White House Adviser on Education, Steve Robinson and Michael Yudin, Deputy Secretary for OSERS Office of Special Education and Rehabilitation Services at the US Department of Education. I encourage every parent to reach out to their legislators and policy makers. Tell them your story. Respectfully ask for change. Now. Is there anything that stands out as powerful or meaningful? Meaning, is there hope for change? In the near future? YES! In summary, the Senate bill looks promising and ready for the floor. The House Bill (H.R.5) shows some concerns. NCLD has a write-up on the ESEA on their website.
http://www.ncld.org/ld-insights/blogs/ESEA-the-story-in-congress-so-far

What can we do to help your efforts to follow up on your visit? The PUSH will be to make sure all of our children count. I encourage parents, advocates, teachers and professionals to mail letters, send emails and make phone calls. Dont expect that someone else will do this. Every voice counts. In addition, do not hesitate to schedule a meeting with your local legislators. Be THE change. Your efforts will go a long way and make a difference. Wow! That is empowering. So, to summarize. WE need to do something. Anything. I like what you are saying!!!

Advocate in the Spotlight -Michael KaczorInterviewed by Deb Rafferty Decoding Dyslexia New York

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Any last thoughts? Dont give up! Be the wings beneath your childrens dreams. Watch them fly. That is amazing! I will personally reach out to some of the legislators that you met with via a heartfelt appreciation in hopes that they can help foster meaningful change that is so desperately needed. Thank you for your tremendous dedication. Thank you for being the voice for so many. and of course thank you for sharing your time. With gratitude .

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