Students with dyslexia

Children with dyslexia have a learning disability that makes it harder to read, write and spell. But with help from teachers and staff that is required by law they can overcome their problems and become productive students.

School staff should be aware of the common symptoms of dyslexia and test students who exhibit them, because testing is the only way diagnose it.

Schools should apply a team approach to teaching dyslexic students, involving parents, special education teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists and other caregivers.

Academic modifications may be necessary, such as giving dyslexic students additional time to complete a test or providing them with books on tape.

Dyslexic students can also benefit from having an organized classroom, so keep the noise levels and clutter down, have homework assignments and lesson plans written clearly on the board.

Be aware of the legal rights of your students. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act requires schools to provide public education to students with disabilities, including dyslexia.

Preventing abuse of ADHD drugs

Methylphenidate, a central nervous stimulant prescribed for children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), is frequently abused, with students stealing supplies that are kept at schools or taking them from friends who have prescriptions.

The problem is frequently caused by school systems that don’t have a nurse dispensing the medication, keep supplies in unlocked desks and allow teen students to carry and administer their own medications.

The U.S. Department of Justice’s Diversion Control Program offers the following precautions school systems can take to ensure the safe handling of ADHD medications:

* prohibit students from carrying ADHD medication to school
* make sure ADHD medication is delivered to schools in properly labeled containers that identify the name of the med, the proper dosage and frequency of administration
* one person (preferably a school nurse) should maintain primary control of med supply
* maintain a medication inventory log to track the meds received and dispensed
* drug supply should be secured in a locked room or cabinet
* unused meds should be destroyed by the school nurse