Parent Resources & Support: Real-Life Examples of How Advocacy Works with Kids

Are you concerned that your child isn’t being adequately challenged in class?  Does your child struggle with test-anxiety?  Would your child benefit from more structure and accountability in their schoolwork?

When a child is struggling in school, it can be difficult for parents to know what actions to take.  If you’re wondering if your child could benefit from having an advocate, consider these areas of need:

• Scores lower than their ability on classroom graded work or standardized tests
• Has difficulty completing assignments/projects in a timely manner
• Needs structure and support for accountability and time/task management
• Would benefit from enrichment and/or acceleration
• Would benefit from reading and math support
• Needs support with focus or executive functioning

Sometimes parents need an advocate to step in and expedite the process.  With our company owner’s experience as an educator, 504 chair and gifted lead person, she is uniquely qualified to help parents navigate the complexities of the education system.

Example of How Advocacy Works in Real Life Situations:

Dynamis Learning advocated for an 11^th grader in the metro Atlanta area who had a diagnosis of anxiety (especially with tests) and IBS.  The parent reached out for help with accommodations on a 504 plan using the child’s current medical diagnosis.  Our owner, Helen, met with the parent via Zoom and communicated with the school regarding the need for more accommodations on the current 504 plan, especially as it related to the SAT.

Another family that Dynamis Learning advocated for involved two brothers, one in 1^st and one in 3^rd grade.  The parent contacted us when neither of the boys did well on the i-Ready tests, and they were showing signs of test-anxiety.  Both boys couldn’t finish the test, and their scores were low.  After working with one of our tutors, the brothers took it again 2 months later.  We determined the youngest was in tears because he was frustrated at the fact that he was given problems he had never seen in the classroom.  

Helen explained to him that the i-Ready test questions are based on what the student doesn’t know, and therefore, it’s not based on intelligence.  The test is used to identify students who might qualify for accelerated or advanced classes.  At that point, we put a plan of action into place which provided both boys more support and targeted tutoring.  As a result, when the boys took the test again, they excelled and showed no signs of test-anxiety.

The Reality of Schools at the Present Time:

Because of the current demands on educators, parents should consider the level of burnout among public and private school personnel which results in counselors and administrators being overloaded with additional duties.  That, along with the fact that parents don’t always know how to navigate the system, can result in students falling between the cracks.  If a parent thinks their child is in need of advocacy, contact Helen to have a conversation about what is being seen at home and at school.

We are constantly hearing from parents that they are not getting the support they need from schools, public or private.  We have decades of experience in education, and we recognize that parents are looking for solutions they are not getting from their school.

 Get our FREE Downloadable Advocacy Brochure and Checklist:

​To get started, click HERE to download the FREE Advocacy Brochure and Checklist that explains what an advocate is and what they can do for families.  There are many options that many parents are not aware of and/or they’re not sure of the questions to ask.  We are here to help families bridge that gap between their school and their child’s education.  Reach out to have a FREE conversation by contacting Helen Panos at helen@dynamislearningacademy.com.

Parent Resources & Support: Real-Life Examples of How Advocacy Works with Kids

Are you concerned that your child isn’t being adequately challenged in class?  Does your child struggle with test-anxiety?  Would your child benefit from more structure and accountability in their schoolwork?

When a child is struggling in school, it can be difficult for parents to know what actions to take.  If you’re wondering if your child could benefit from having an advocate, consider these areas of need:

• Scores lower than their ability on classroom graded work or standardized tests
• Has difficulty completing assignments/projects in a timely manner
• Needs structure and support for accountability and time/task management
• Would benefit from enrichment and/or acceleration
• Would benefit from reading and math support
• Needs support with focus or executive functioning

Sometimes parents need an advocate to step in and expedite the process.  With our company owner’s experience as an educator, 504 chair and gifted lead person, she is uniquely qualified to help parents navigate the complexities of the education system.

Example of How Advocacy Works in Real Life Situations:

Dynamis Learning advocated for an 11^th grader in the metro Atlanta area who had a diagnosis of anxiety (especially with tests) and IBS.  The parent reached out for help with accommodations on a 504 plan using the child’s current medical diagnosis.  Our owner, Helen, met with the parent via Zoom and communicated with the school regarding the need for more accommodations on the current 504 plan, especially as it related to the SAT.

Helen originally guided the family to get an updated diagnosis, and she also attended a 504 meeting as an advocate for the parent.  The meeting resulted in the student getting additional accommodations for testing due to the recent diagnosis.  Those accommodations were also included for the student’s SAT testing.  When the student took the SAT, she did not feel nervous or anxious about the test because her accommodations had been arranged well ahead of the testing. This turned out to be a win-win situation for the teen.

Another family that Dynamis Learning advocated for involved two brothers, one in 1^st and one in 3^rd grade.  The parent contacted us when neither of the boys did well on the i-Ready tests, and they were showing signs of test-anxiety.  Both boys couldn’t finish the test, and their scores were low.  After working with one of our tutors, the brothers took it again 2 months later.  We determined the youngest was in tears because he was frustrated at the fact that he was given problems he had never seen in the classroom.  Helen explained to him that the i-Ready test questions are based on what the student doesn’t know, and therefore, it’s not based on intelligence.  The test is used to identify students who might qualify for accelerated or advanced classes.  At that point, we put a plan of action into place which provided both boys more support and targeted tutoring.  As a result, when the boys took the test again, they excelled and showed no signs of test-anxiety.

The Reality of Schools at the Present Time:

Because of the current demands on educators, parents should consider the level of burnout among public and private school personnel which results in counselors and administrators being overloaded with additional duties.  That, along with the fact that parents don’t always know how to navigate the system, can result in students falling between the cracks.  If a parent thinks their child is in need of advocacy, contact Helen to have a conversation about what is being seen at home and at school.

We are constantly hearing from parents that they are not getting the support they need from schools, public or private.  We have decades of experience in education, and we recognize that parents are looking for solutions they are not getting from their school.

Get our FREE Downloadable Advocacy Brochure and Checklist:

​To get started, click HERE to download the FREE Advocacy Brochure and Checklist that explains what an advocate is and what they can do for families.  There are many options that many parents are not aware of and/or they’re not sure of the questions to ask.  We are here to help families bridge that gap between their school and their child’s education.  Reach out to have a FREE conversation by contacting Helen Panos at helen@dynamislearningacademy.com.