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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWhy This Film Matters<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIn Left Behind<\/em>, filmmaker Anna Toomey<\/a> <\/strong>shares a deeply personal story that became a nationwide call to action. After her son was diagnosed with dyslexia, she saw firsthand how difficult it can be for families to find the right support.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDuring a panel discussion following a live screening, Toomey recalled a painful moment when her young son internalized his struggle with reading: \u201cI guess I\u2019m just the dumb, angry kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But their story also revealed a broader injustice: millions of children don\u2019t receive the evidence-based instruction they need to learn to read.<\/strong>That realization sparked the creation of Left Behind<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Conversation the Film Is Starting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAt the live event panel held last October<\/strong><\/a>, educators, advocates, and parents explored the deeper issues the film raises.<\/p>\n\n\n\nOne of the most striking themes: this challenge affects far more children than most people realize.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTwo key realities emerged in the discussion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- Roughly 2 in 10 children may have dyslexia<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Yet 7 in 10 children in the U.S. are not reading at grade level<\/strong><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
This means many students struggle not only because of dyslexia, but also because reading instruction isn\u2019t meeting their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Panelists emphasized that improving literacy outcomes is not a mystery; research-backed instruction already exists, but it must be implemented consistently across schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nPanelists left to right: Ruth Genn, Co-founder and Executive Director of Literacy Academy Collective;<\/em>, award-winning educator and community activist Kareem Weaver; Left Behind filmmaker Anna Toomey; and moderator Jacqueline Davis<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nThe Power of Parent Voices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAnother theme that resonated throughout the discussion was the role of families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film follows a group of determined parents who worked together to create a new public school model designed specifically for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Their journey demonstrates something powerful: system change often begins with families refusing to accept the status quo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nPanelists emphasized families play a powerful role in advocating for better literacy policies and instruction. When families speak up, policymakers listen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nLearning Ally Sponsors Virtual Screening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nAt Learning Ally, we believe literacy is the foundation for opportunity and that every child deserves the tools to access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why we\u2019re proud to help bring Left Behind<\/em> to communities nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAs the film reaches more audiences, the goal is simple:
spark dialogue, raise awareness, and help more children get the support they deserve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nQuestions to Consider While Watching<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nIf you join the virtual screening, consider reflecting on these questions during or after the film:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n- What does it feel like for a child who believes they are \u201cbad at reading\u201d before anyone explains why?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How can schools identify and support struggling readers earlier?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What role should families play in advocating for literacy support?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How can communities ensure access to effective reading instruction for all<\/strong> students\u2014not just those with resources?<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What would it look like if every school prioritized literacy the way the families in the film did?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Join the Conversation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWatch the Film. Start the Conversation. Change the Story for Struggling Readers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nThe national literacy conversation is evolving and voices like yours matter<\/strong>.By watching Left Behind<\/em> and discussing its message with colleagues, families, and community members, you can help bring greater awareness to the challenges many students face and the solutions that exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a panel discussion following a live screening, Toomey recalled a painful moment when her young son internalized his struggle with reading: \u201cI guess I\u2019m just the dumb, angry kid.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But their story also revealed a broader injustice: millions of children don\u2019t receive the evidence-based instruction they need to learn to read.<\/strong>That realization sparked the creation of Left Behind<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the live event panel held last October<\/strong><\/a>, educators, advocates, and parents explored the deeper issues the film raises.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most striking themes: this challenge affects far more children than most people realize.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Two key realities emerged in the discussion:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means many students struggle not only because of dyslexia, but also because reading instruction isn\u2019t meeting their needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists emphasized that improving literacy outcomes is not a mystery; research-backed instruction already exists, but it must be implemented consistently across schools.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists left to right: Ruth Genn, Co-founder and Executive Director of Literacy Academy Collective;<\/em>, award-winning educator and community activist Kareem Weaver; Left Behind filmmaker Anna Toomey; and moderator Jacqueline Davis<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Another theme that resonated throughout the discussion was the role of families.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The film follows a group of determined parents who worked together to create a new public school model designed specifically for students with dyslexia and other reading challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their journey demonstrates something powerful: system change often begins with families refusing to accept the status quo.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Panelists emphasized families play a powerful role in advocating for better literacy policies and instruction. When families speak up, policymakers listen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n At Learning Ally, we believe literacy is the foundation for opportunity and that every child deserves the tools to access it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s why we\u2019re proud to help bring Left Behind<\/em> to communities nationwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the film reaches more audiences, the goal is simple: If you join the virtual screening, consider reflecting on these questions during or after the film:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Watch the Film. Start the Conversation. Change the Story for Struggling Readers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The national literacy conversation is evolving and voices like yours matter<\/strong>.By watching Left Behind<\/em> and discussing its message with colleagues, families, and community members, you can help bring greater awareness to the challenges many students face and the solutions that exist.<\/p>\n\n\n\nThe Conversation the Film Is Starting<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe Power of Parent Voices<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Learning Ally Sponsors Virtual Screening<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
spark dialogue, raise awareness, and help more children get the support they deserve.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nQuestions to Consider While Watching<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\n
Join the Conversation<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n