Literacy Untangled Podcast

About Literacy Untangled Podcast

Does your child struggle with reading and writing? Do you suspect they have dyslexia? Real world answers to all your questions about dyslexia and ways to help your child is exactly what your get when you tune into the Literacy Untangled Podcast with your host, educator and dyslexia interventionist, Jennie Sjursen. Her specialty? Breaking down the complexities of dyslexia into everyday language, strategies, and action steps. Tune in, get inspired, and discover why parents across the globe reach out to Jennie for advice and support on all things related to dyslexia, reading, writing, academic testing, school supports, and IEP’s. Start finding answers to your questions today!

Publisher

Jennie Sjursen

Category

education · kids & family

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

10 Jul 2022

Latest episode

9 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

82 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   9 Oct 2026

   #80 OG Trained Doesn't Mean What You Think It Means

   Your child has an IEP with reading services, months go by, and there's still no progress. When you ask why, the school says, "Don't worry, the teacher is OG trained." It's supposed to feel like reassurance, but those three words can mean almost anything. Today, I'm breaking down what "OG trained" actually means, the real difference between training and certification, and why a teacher's label on paper doesn't guarantee the level of skill in the room with your child. As well, I walk you through the four levels of Orton-Gillingham Academy certification, so you know exactly what to ask about next time you hear those words in a meeting. The focus of this conversation is helping you understand that "OG trained" is the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it and that you're allowed to want to know more about who's actually teaching your child. My free resource, You're Right About Your Struggling Reader: 3 Red Flags When Working with the School, walks you through the three signs that mean it's time to stop waiting and start pushing for more support. Check off what feels true for your family and I'll tell you exactly what it means. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/shifts (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/shifts)! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)! My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered), is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered). Topics Covered: Why the level of training behind an "OG trained" teacher matters so much [1:33] Orton-Gillingham is an approach, not a program, and what this means about its effectiveness [2:25] How to find out how much training is actually behind a teacher's "OG trained" label [2:45] The four levels of Orton-Gillingham Academy certification and the hours of coursework and supervised teaching that separate each one [4:24] Why "OG trained" is only the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it [6:54] Key Takeaways: "OG trained" can describe anything from a weekend workshop to someone with hundreds of hours of supervised teaching Certification means an outside organization verified the teacher's skill; training alone doesn't. The right fit matters: a child who needs intensive, one-on-one support needs a teacher certified at that level, not just someone labeled "OG trained." Links & Resources Mentioned: Orton-Gillingham Academy (AOGPE) (https://www.ortonacademy.org) Academic Language Therapy Association (ALTA) (https://www.altaread.org) Wilson Language Training (https://www.wilsonlanguage.com) Slingerland Literacy Institute (https://www.slingerland.org) Institute for Multisensory Education (IMSE) (https://imse.com) International Dyslexia Association (IDA) (https://dyslexiaida.org) IMSLEC (https://www.imslec.org) When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers! Subscribe to my Podcast (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/blog) Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/contact) to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com (mailto:jennie@literacyuntangled.com) or a DM on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/). I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/cl/podcast/literacy-untangled-podcast/id1645375151?l=en), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1NxWsmNfFH5ZFaUGncVzx5?si=1b149d0cd6aa437a) or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website (http://literacyuntangled.com/) - Sign up for my newsletter (https://literacyuntangled.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up) - Follow me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/) - Join me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyUntangled/)

2. 

   25 Sept 2026

   #79 Stop Asking for Dyslexia Testing - Ask for This Instead

   When your child is struggling to read, asking the school to "test for dyslexia" feels like the obvious first step, but it might be the exact request that gets you a no. Today, I'm breaking down why the words you use when requesting an evaluation matter so much, the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational disability category, plus more. The focus of this conversation is giving you the exact language to use so your request can't be brushed aside…because the right words, in writing, start the clock and open the door. My free resource, You're Right About Your Struggling Reader: 3 Red Flags When Working with the School, walks you through the three signs that mean it's time to stop waiting and start pushing for more support. Check off what feels true for your family and I'll tell you exactly what it means. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/shifts (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/shifts)! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)! My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered), is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered). Topics Covered: The key reason to stop asking for dyslexia testing [2:02] Why asking for a full and comprehensive evaluation works better than naming a specific category [3:28] The 8 different areas a full comprehensive evaluation should cover [3:52] The way that putting your evaluation request in writing protects your paper trail, and starts the legal clock [4:36] Tips for using the SHIFT method to turn evaluation data into a real plan [5:50] Key Takeaways: Dyslexia is a real medical and legal term, but asking for "dyslexia testing" isn't the request that gets your child evaluated. Naming one narrow category can accidentally limit what the school looks at. Put your request in writing. An email creates the paper trail that starts the legal clock, but a phone call or hallway conversation doesn't. When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers! Subscribe to my Podcast (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/blog) Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/contact) to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com (mailto:jennie@literacyuntangled.com) or a DM on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/). I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/cl/podcast/literacy-untangled-podcast/id1645375151?l=en), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1NxWsmNfFH5ZFaUGncVzx5?si=1b149d0cd6aa437a) or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website (http://literacyuntangled.com/) - Sign up for my newsletter (https://literacyuntangled.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up) - Follow me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/) - Join me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyUntangled/)

3. 

   22 May 2026

   #78 Moving Out of State With a Dyslexic Child: What Happens to Their IEP?

   Moving out of state with a child who has an IEP can feel like starting from scratch, but federal law says otherwise. The problem is that while IDEA travels with you, the procedures, criteria, and even the language used to classify your child's disability can shift dramatically depending on where you land. Today, I'm breaking down what actually happens to your child's IEP when you cross state lines, and why that 30-day transition meeting is often too soon for anyone to make informed decisions about your child's services. I walk you through the federal protections that still apply, the truth about whether a new evaluation is actually required, and why the specificity of your child's eligibility classification matters more than most parents realize. The focus of this conversation is making sure you don't lose ground during a high-stakes transition. Remember, a new state doesn't mean starting from zero - but it does mean you need to be paying attention! My free resource, Is AI Writing Your Struggling Reader's IEP?, walks you through exactly what to look for when you open your child’s document and what the research says about the current state of IEP quality. Grab it now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/ai-iep (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/ai-iep)! Would you like to understand reports, ask the right questions, and get schools to take you seriously? Together Through Dyslexia 6-month program provides expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers, and you can claim your spot now at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)! My mini-course, From Lost to Empowered: How to Get Your Struggling Reader: The 3-Step Evaluation Request Blueprint for Parents of Struggling Readers (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered), is available now! This 3-step evaluation request blueprint walks you through everything you need to know, from documenting concerns with the right details to writing the evaluation request letter with language that triggers legal timelines, to handling what to do when schools try to push you off, and so much more. You can break through the barriers NOW and get instant access at https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/from-lost-to-empowered). Topics Covered: What can be influenced by your new state on top of the federal foundation, and why knowing your state's specific special education regulations matters [3:18] Key reasons that transition IEP meetings around the 30-day mark don't give schools enough time to truly know your child, and why you shouldn't feel rushed to sign anything [3:52] The truth about re-evaluations when moving out of state: you don't automatically need a new one just because you crossed state lines [5:06] The critical difference between "SLD dyslexia" and just "SLD," and why specific eligibility language matters for every teacher working with your child [6:09] The Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) for military families navigating out-of-state moves, and what support is available at your installation [8:16] Why your child's complete records are your most reliable constant through every move, and what documents you need before transitioning to a new state [9:21] Key Takeaways: IDEA is federal, but states build their own procedures on top, and some build much more than others. A new evaluation isn't automatic just because you moved states; if it's within three years, it should still be valid. "SLD dyslexia" is far more protective than just "SLD"; specificity follows your child through every transition. Links & Resources Mentioned: Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) (https://sites.ed.gov/idea/) Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS) (https://www.ed.gov/about/ed-offices/osers) EFMP - Exceptional Family Member Program (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/special-needs/efmp/) #77 My Dyslexic Child Is Changing Schools: Will Their IEP Stay the Same (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/podcasts/literacy-untangled-podcast/episodes/2149203861) When you're ready to work with me, here are 3 ways I can help you: Claim your spot (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/together-through-dyslexia)now to Together Through Dyslexia, my 6-month program providing expert mentorship for parents of dyslexics and struggling readers! Subscribe to my Podcast (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/blog) Literacy Untangled Podcast for bimonthly episodes on navigating the dyslexia journey with your kid. Want 1:1 help from an Orton-Gillingham expert? Book a call (https://www.literacyuntangled.com/contact) to see how I help kids who are struggling to learn how to read. Have a question or want a certain topic covered? Send an email to jennie@literacyuntangled.com (mailto:jennie@literacyuntangled.com) or a DM on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/). I want to support parents with dyslexic children and get this content in the hands of those who need it most. Click the share button and send away! Thank you. Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/cl/podcast/literacy-untangled-podcast/id1645375151?l=en), Spotify (https://open.spotify.com/show/1NxWsmNfFH5ZFaUGncVzx5?si=1b149d0cd6aa437a) or on your favorite podcast platform. Connect: - Visit my website (http://literacyuntangled.com/) - Sign up for my newsletter (https://literacyuntangled.mykajabi.com/newsletter-sign-up) - Follow me on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/literacyuntangled/) - Join me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/LiteracyUntangled/)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

4.6 / 5

7 ratings

Spotify

4.5 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 54 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

80

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

68

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.