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Expert Instruction. Allied Support.

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Why Choose an Expert?

You aren't looking for a "quick fix" or a standard after-school program. You are looking for specialized expertise that understands the complexity of dyslexia. We use the evidence-based, Orton-Gillingham method that uses the essential components of structured literacy: Explicit, Systematic, Cumulative, Multi-sensory, and Diagnostic. 

The Expert Credentials

The Expert Credentials:

  • B.A. & California Special Education Credential (Education Specialist Mild/Mod)

  • 12+ Years of Special Education Experience 

  • Barton Reading & Spelling Specialist 

  • County Record-Holder for Student Growth Scores

  • A Bridge to the District: We speak "IEP." We build the bridge between you and your child's school.

OUR MISSION at Expert Learning Alliance

Building Literacy

The most dangerous words we hear are, "...wait and see." 

A child with dyslexia will be an adult with dyslexia. Waiting to give children expert instruction causes extreme frustration and increases the risk of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and high school drop out rates. 

You don't have to wait for your child to fail.  You can start building success with us through evidence-based, confidence-building, structured literacy!

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Building Alliances

We know that specialized instruction is only one piece of the puzzle. The other piece is the system itself. Navigating the world of IEP and 504 plans can feel like a second job—one that is often isolating and overwhelming.

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When you partner with Expert Learning Alliance, you aren't just hiring an instructor; you are gaining a strategic ally.

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  • For the Student: We provide top-tier, evidence-based, instruction as well as assistance with IEP accommodations that turns academic struggle into tangible success and builds the confidence to self-advocate.

  • For the Parent: We offer the "Full Alliance"-supporting you through the IEP documentation and meetings so you never have to walk into a school building feeling alone again.

  • For the School: We have been in the classroom and understand what successful accommodations and instruction looks like. We have seen many teachers do it well and we can share their secrets with others.

Rachael Mickel

Rachael has over 20 years of teaching experience, including 12 years in Special Education. Her instruction in literacy, math, executive functioning, autism support, and social/emotional needs led to record-breaking CAASPP (state testing) scores. Through her leadership in literacy, her special education team saw the #1 Math growth rate and #2 ELA growth rate in all of Placer County. She understands that reading impacts all subjects, including Math. 

She has given district trainings to general and special education staff on IEP support, including application of state testing accommodations, and is scheduled to host the district's first-ever Dyslexia for a Day simulation.

She is also scheduled to speak to the school board in May about student success using the CA-approved Barton Reading and Spelling System. 

She has facilitated over a100 IEP meetings as an Education Specialist and knows that the key to a child's success is in the strength of the alliance between the parents, the school, and the child. She brings her inside knowledge to you and expertise to all. 

She is known for her "students-first" focus, her innate ability to connect with students of all ages and backgrounds, and her ability to form alliances with all stakeholders--parents, school, and child--to bring about the best outcomes for children.

Rachael has a B.A. in Applied Studies, an Education Specialist Mild/Mod credential with ELD and Autism authorizations. She is a member of the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) and National Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET).

About the Expert

WHAT WE OFFER

Our Services

We provide a variety of services designed to meet the needs of your family.

Foundations

Expert Support

  • FREE Virtual Dyslexia Testing

  • 1:1 Parent Coaching- 30 min/week

We provide parents with 1:1 coaching and support while they work through evidence-based instruction with their child.

Building Together

Expert Instruction and Parent Support

  • FREE Virtual dyslexia testing

  • 75 min/week virtual, evidence-based literacy instruction (OG method)

  • Parent coaching 

We provide evidence-based reading instruction and provide coaching and support to parents. 

The Full Alliance

School-Home-Expert Alliance

  • FREE Virtual Dyslexia Testing

  • 110 min/week virtual evidence-based literacy instruction (OG method)

  • Parent Coaching

  • Current IEP/504 audit with helpful suggestions (annually)

  • Virtual hands-on instruction on how to use accommodations.  (e.g., text-to-speech, speech-to-text, extended time, etc.)​

  • 1:1 in-depth, page-by-page analysis of the 504/IEP, exploring confusing legal jargon and what each page means (annually)

  • Application of accommodations to your child's current schoolwork

  • Full review of draft copy of upcoming IEP with helpful suggestions so you feel confident when you sit at the IEP table (annually)

True wrap around support for the child, aligning expert instruction, parent coaching, and school support. This is a full-service plan that makes sure that no one--child, parent, or school--feels alone.

Additional Hourly-rate Services

  • ​Additional sessions at pro-rated pricing

  • Virtual Dyslexia Testing 

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