Lessard Learning

03/16/2026

📊 Why Transition Planning Matters

Adults with disabilities are twice as likely to be unemployed as adults without disabilities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about 1 in 3 working-age adults with disabilities are employed, compared to about 3 in 4 adults without disabilities.

This is why appropriate education and strong transition planning in school are so important.

Under IDEA, schools must prepare students with disabilities for life after high school through transition services, including vocational assessments, job experiences, and independent living skills.

When transition planning is meaningful and individualized, students leave school ready for employment and independence — not just graduation.

Every student deserves an education that prepares them for a meaningful adult life.

03/14/2026

📌 Did You Know? Your School District Has a Deadline After Receiving a Private Evaluation
If you submit a private evaluation (such as a neuropsychological evaluation, speech-language evaluation, OT evaluation, etc.) to your child’s school district, the district has a legal obligation to review it promptly.
Under Massachusetts special education regulations, the Team must convene within 10 school days of receiving the independent evaluation to consider the results and determine whether changes to the IEP, services, or placement are needed.
This meeting is not optional—and the district cannot simply “file the report away or delay the meeting.”
During this meeting, the Team should:
✔️ Review the evaluation findings and recommendations
✔️ ✔️ Determine whether new goals, services, or placement changes are required
✔️ Document the discussion and decisions in the IEP
📣 Important:
The district must meaningfully consider the results and recommendations.
Private evaluations are powerful tools in advocating for appropriate services—make sure the district follows the process required by law.
💬 When you submit a private evaluation, it is helpful to include a cover letter proposing that the district accept the evaluation in full and implement all the recommendations. This way, the district is required to provide a cogent response to any recommendation they don't accept. It may also be helpful to include several dates and times in the ten day timeframe in the cover letter. If you already have a meeting scheduled, provide the evaluation to the district ten school days prior to the date of the meeting.

03/13/2026

Fun Fact Friday 💡

Did you know an IEP is required to provide “meaningful progress,” not just minimal progress?

This comes from a U.S. Supreme Court case called Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District RE‑1.

In simple terms, this means a student’s program should be appropriately ambitious based on their individual needs, not just the bare minimum.

If a child is receiving services but progress remains very slow or stalled, it may be worth taking a closer look at the program and supports.

03/13/2026

What does Wilson Reading “with fidelity” actually look like?

I often hear parents say their child is “getting Wilson,” but it can mean very different things depending on how the program is implemented.

Wilson Reading System is a structured literacy program designed for students with significant reading challenges, including dyslexia. When it’s implemented as designed, there are a few key components:

1️⃣ Frequency and Intensity
Wilson is typically taught 4–5 days per week for about 45–60 minutes. Struggling readers usually need consistent, frequent instruction to make meaningful progress.

2️⃣ Small Groups
Instruction is usually 1:1 or in very small groups (2–4 students) so the teacher can hear every response and provide immediate correction.

3️⃣ A Structured Lesson Routine
Each lesson follows a consistent routine that includes things like:
• phonemic awareness
• sound tapping
• word reading
• controlled text reading
• spelling/dictation
• sentence reading and writing

The structure is part of what makes the program effective.

4️⃣ Mastery Before Moving On
Students typically move forward only after demonstrating mastery of a concept, rather than simply moving along with the rest of the group.

5️⃣ Progress Monitoring
Teachers usually collect accuracy and fluency data along the way so they can track progress through the program.

6️⃣ Instructor Training
Wilson is most effective when taught by someone who has received formal training in the program.

When all of these pieces are in place, Wilson can be a very effective intervention for many struggling readers.

If your child is receiving Wilson, it can sometimes be helpful to ask about things like:
• frequency of instruction
• group size
• current step/substep
• how progress is being measured

These details can help give a clearer picture of how the intervention is working.
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11/17/2025

📣Action Alert!!

A hearing on H.4217 is happening TOMORROW: Hearing scheduled for 11/18/2025 from 01:00 PM-05:00 PM in B-1.

AN ACT TO ENSURE FAIR DUE PROCESS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION DISPUTES

You do NOT have to register to testify in person. We now have 8 petitioners but were not made aware that a hearing date had been set - can anyone testify?

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H4217

10/02/2025

🍂 This October, give yourself the gift of clarity.
Concerned about your child's reading, writing, or math skills?
I offer comprehensive diagnostic evaluations (including literacy, math, and writing), plus in-school observations and tailored instructional recommendations.
Let’s uncover their strengths and get a roadmap forward together.
👉 Book a consultation today: www.lessardlearning.com

06/12/2025

📚✨ Now Enrolling – Just 3 Summer Tutoring Slots Left! ✨📚

Looking for extra support in reading and writing this summer? We offer specialized, individualized instruction to help students build confidence and close skill gaps before the new school year.

✅ Evidence-based strategies
✅ Support for struggling readers and writers
✅ Customized lessons that meet each student’s unique needs

📅 Only 3 spots remaining – secure yours today!
📧 Email: samanthalessardlearning@gmail.com to learn more or reserve your child’s spot.

Let’s make this summer a season of growth! 🌞✏️📖

03/02/2025

Do you need a baseline to develop goals? Are you looking to determine if your child is making effective progress? I will evaluate in reading, writing, and math. Currently scheduling evaluations and observations in April. DM me or visit www.lessardlearning.con to schedule a consultation.

12/03/2024

Help enable educational equity for all by donating to SPaN!

Join us in our mission to enable equity for all. Your donation of $60 will enable one low-income family to access a webinar of their choice for free. 

06/18/2024

DM me to learn how I can help.

06/14/2024

DM me for more information.

04/21/2024

I’m Samantha Lessard Storey, founder of Lessard Learning.

I have been in the special education field for over 15 years. My journey began in high school, when I was a volunteer for Best Buddies and helped out in the life skills classroom. Since then, I have worked as a teacher, studied special education, and have become certified in several learning techniques to ensure that all of my students’ needs are met.

These experiences have led me to discover my deeper purpose—empowering families and advocating for children to get the education they deserve.

Feel free to reach out to me if you are:

1. New to the world of special education and are looking for assistance in your child’s IEP process

2. Have a child who struggles to show consistent progress in school and are looking for someone to empower them and guide them at their own pace

3. Have a child who is already diagnosed with a learning disability or you suspect they may have one and are looking for guidance

I’m passionate about helping students become who they are meant to be and empowering them to push past institutionalized setbacks to reach their full potential. If you are ready to find support on this journey, click the link in my bio 📚

DM me for information about tutoring, advocacy, and yoga.