A new organization says educators must be better trained in recognizing and teaching students with learning disorders like dyslexia if they are to be successful in raising reading proficiency throughout Memphis.

Michelle Gaines and Krista L. Johnson founded ALLMemphis, a nonprofit, in June to boost overall reading comprehension and fill a gap they see in local classrooms — the lack of training for teachers in approaches proven to help students with dyslexia, a disorder from which many Memphis students are likely struggling.

The pair now work, for free, with about 500 students in four Memphis elementary charter schools and have trained 29 educators.

About one in five children in Tennessee are dyslexic, but until last year, early screenings weren’t required in local schools. Students with dyslexia have difficulty recognizing words and sounds and spelling, but can learn how to read with a specific multisensory approach that combines touch, sound and sight.

But even when the disorder is caught early, schools often don’t have the proper training or tools to address it. Gaines and Johnson say their organization can change that and even benefit students who aren’t dyslexic.

Read the full article about the impact of dyslexia therapy training for teachers by Caroline Bauman at Chalkbeat.