Welcome to the first in a series of educator case studies, where we hear from school leaders about what they’re doing to support neurodivergent and 2e learners in their schools. We’ll hear practical tips and advice from both public and private schools about what is working for their communities. The first article is on flexibility, belonging and UDL from Victoria Trevor, Head of School at Athena Academy and member of REEL's Educator Advisory Group . If there is one thing tha

The 2025 Silicon Valley State of Neurodiversity: Educator Pulse Check provides a clear view into how Silicon Valley educators understand and support neurodivergent and twice-exceptional (2e) students, spotlighting successes, identifying gaps, and outlining what’s needed next. Download your copy to explore the current landscape and see how REEL can help drive change.

This article provides a quick list of guiding questions to help educators uncover what a 2e/ND student is trying to communicate through their behavior.

REEL is frequently asked by educators how to approach conversations with parents about academic, behavioral, or social-emotional concerns regarding a student. What is appropriate to say? How should they handle situations where parents are resistant or do not understand the concerns? To provide guidance, we spoke with several experts including an educator-turned-special education advocate with experience across multiple districts, a Santa Clara County Office of Education leade

In this recording from Join REEL's executive director, Abby Kirigin, to discover new strategies and ideas for supporting twice-exceptional (2e) students at school using the DEAR REEL model. We developed the DEAR REEL model to provide a more concrete way to provide guidance on working with the 2e. The model is based on academic research and best practices from experienced educators about what works for these learners. The DEAR REEL model consists of four lenses: Develop Connec

how dyslexia, dysgraphia, working memory, and processing speed can impact performance in math.

Slow processing speed affects every part of a child's life; however, most people know little about it beyond perhaps a score on the WISC test. REEL hosts educational therapist Marcy Dann to learn where processing speed is used in daily life and how it affects routines, academics, socializing, and emotions for 2e learners. Come away with ideas on how to support your child by making supportive changes to their home and school environments. Balance our speed-valuing culture with

Writing almost always tops the list of challenges for all types of 2e learners, who have both high ability and potential as well as complex challenges such as specific learning disabilities (e.g. dyslexia), autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Parents and educators need tips to help these students experience success with writing. Renowned 2e expert Dr. Susan Baum joined REEL for a creative and pragmatic discussion on ways to support writing development for 2e learners.

Dr. Melanie Hayes of Big Minds School discusses strength-based learning for 2e students, emphasizing focusing on strengths rather than just weaknesses. Strengths energize 2e kids, boost self-esteem, and guide future careers. Her Big Minds Unschool methods show how to integrate this approach anywhere. Parents can support strengths at home and in class to increase motivation, address challenges, and heal school trauma. Strength-based learning is key to 2e education.

Finding and nurturing student strengths is a critical part of supporting twice-exceptional learners, who are both incredibly bright AND experience learning differences (e.g., autism, ADHD, dyslexia). Too often, the adults in their lives focus on shoring up their deficits, ignoring their immense talents and capabilities. Education professor M. Elizabeth Nielsen and educator L. Dennis Higgins observe “Many gifted students with disabilities view themselves as primarily disabled.

Heads or tails? The odds of meeting the educational needs of twice-exceptional (2e) children can feel like a coin toss. A recent online poll of 2e parents about school choices for their 2e kids split almost evenly between those saying public school failed them and those responding that public school has been great. To ensure more 2e children have the chance to thrive in school, we’ve coalesced the top tips from educational leaders in public school organizations with establish

Do you have a bright child who struggles to show it in an academic setting? Does your child love to think about numbers or discuss advanced math concepts but resists doing a simple math assignment? Have they memorized elaborate sequences of historical events but can’t remember to turn in their homework? Does your child conduct deep, well-reasoned debates with you but struggle with reading or writing? You may have a twice-exceptional (2e) child! REEL has developed a fact sheet