Editor’s note: following is an opinion submitted by Westport resident Kate Frascella.

Before she was ever on the Board of Education, Abby Tolan improved reading instruction in Westport.  I witnessed it as a fellow member of the Special Education PTA.

For years, the parents on the SpEd PTA advocated for state-of-the-art literacy instruction, including more phonics and direct instruction.  These were the kind of interventions that parents of children with learning differences, like dyslexia, sought out in private tutoring or schools when their children were struggling.

In one of our meetings a few years ago, after years of advocacy, the administration responded with training in the Orton-Gillingham approach for all elementary reading specialists, special education teachers, and, importantly, all K-2 classroom teachers.  Orton Gillingham is the gold standard of dyslexia instruction, which can also be beneficial to typical but struggling readers.  

Three years on from the introduction of Orton Gillingham in our schools, over 90% of 3rd graders – including special education students –  meet or exceed standards, according to scientifically-based, benchmark and progress assessments.  Having classroom teachers versed in this approach means fewer students have to leave their classroom for reading interventions or struggle early on.  OG is one part of a larger re-examination of literacy instruction, but it is a vital part.

My children and Abby’s are in high school and in college.  Our families will not benefit directly from this work; but this literacy approach will benefit all of Westport’s young readers for years to come thanks to the advocacy of our parents and educators, including Abby Tolan.

I support Abby Tolan for the Board of Education, because of her commitment to all of our learners, no matter their challenges, and I ask you to do the same.

Kate Frascella
Westport