Literacy centers are a staple in many classrooms because they allow students to practice reading and writing in fun, engaging ways. But here’s the challenge: not every literacy center works for every learner.

For many students in special education, reading fluency—the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression—can feel like climbing a mountain without a map. Dyslexia, ADHD, and other learning differences often create barriers that traditional methods alone cannot fully address.

When it comes to teaching children how to read, two approaches have sparked decades of debate: phonics and whole language. For most students, a mix of strategies may work. But for students with dyslexia, the choice of approach can mean the difference between daily frustration and genuine reading success.

The literacy achievement gap is one of the most persistent challenges in education, especially for students receiving special education (SPED) services. Research shows that students with learning differences often struggle with reading and writing compared to their peers—but with the right strategies, supports, and mindset, this gap can be narrowed, and in many cases, closed.

Dyslexia is one of the most common learning differences, affecting roughly 1 in 5 students. For many teachers, the challenge isn’t recognizing dyslexia—it’s knowing how to support students with dyslexia in the classroom.