About ALDS
Mission:
The mission of ALDS is to connect and support schools that specialize in education for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. By providing collaboration, education, and networking opportunities, ALDS supports member schools in their goal of advancing practice through individual and collective growth.
Vision:
As a community of experts in educating students who learn differently, ALDS is committed to making a positive impact for all students with learning differences.
Core Values:
- Community – Bringing schools together through affinity groups, list serves, and in-person events
- Collaboration – Learning through professional sharing.
- Growth – Engaging in a model of continuous improvement.
Membership Criteria:
- Non-public school that specializes in education of students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction
- Specific Admissions Criteria based on the above learning profile
- Fully accredited by an accrediting organization approved by the National Association of Independent Schools and/or International Council Advancing Independent School Accreditation (ICIASA) or a comparable accreditation body internationally.
- All students receive instruction using research-based practices designed for students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction and are aligned with the Science of Reading.
ALDS is currently not accepting applications from schools whose mission serves profiles outside of those listed above: dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction.
Strategic Goals:
In its first year, ALDS will focus on the following activities:
- Developing the initial infrastructure of the 501c3 non-profit, organization
- Recruiting founding schools and member schools to form the association
- Creating a robust, monitored listserv that includes branches supporting different affinity areas
- Hosting a variety of Zoom meetups for member schools to collaborate by topic and affinity area
- Designing a comprehensive website with resources for members and the general public
- Promoting webinars and professional development opportunities within our schools and with outside professionals
- Exploring opportunities for partnerships with other professionals, foundations, and associations
A Message from the Executive Director:
Dear Colleagues,
I am thrilled to extend a warm welcome to you on behalf of the Association of LD Schools. I spent 19 years working at Lawrence School in Cleveland, Ohio where I learned the value of a community like this one, and I feel privileged to continue in this work through ALDS. As the Executive Director, it is an honor to introduce you to our vibrant and dedicated community of professionals and champions of education for students with learning differences.
At ALDS, our goal is clear: to foster an inclusive and empowering environment where schools dedicated to supporting students with learning differences can come together, collaborate, and flourish. We believe that every student, regardless of their unique learning needs, deserves the opportunity to excel and reach their full potential.
Our association brings together a diverse network of schools and educators who specialize in addressing learning differences such as dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysgraphia, and executive dysfunction. We understand the challenges and triumphs that come with this noble endeavor, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the founding schools that have played an instrumental role in the establishment and growth of ALDS. Your support and trust in our vision have allowed us to create something we believe to be truly transformative in the field of education. Your belief in our mission empowers us, and we cherish the strong partnership. Thank you for your contribution and continued support.
ALDS is part of a global network committed to advancing excellence in education for students with learning differences. Together, we can inspire positive change, share knowledge, and enhance the lives of the students we serve.
Thank you for joining us on this remarkable journey. Your dedication to making a difference in the lives of students with learning differences is truly commendable, and we are here to champion your efforts and support you in any way we can.
Warm regards,
Cheryl Cook
Executive Director
