Students with dyslexia struggle in Washington. Will a fresh approach to reading instruction be enough?

Hamlin Robinson School fourth grader Pearl Matt, center, writes words in the air during a reading and writing lesson in Kay Nelson’s classroom. Such  multisensory learning strategies are particularly helpful for students with dyslexia. At far left is Helen Wiley; at right is Isaac Maimon. (Mike Siegel / The Seattle Times)
When teacher Kay Nelson directs her class at Hamlin Robinson School to spell a word, she helps them break down every step.
Spell the word “monster,” she tells her students. How many syllables does it have? What is the vowel sound in the first syllable? The second?
Spell it out loud. Spell it in the air with your hand. Write it on the paper on your desk.