Ask AIM
A weekly advice column on AIM Nexus where readers can submit their pressing literacy questions and receive thoughtful, trustworthy guidance.
Each response draws on the latest research and expert advice to provide friendly and practical support.
Pronouncing <tr> and <dr>
Q:
Greetings! What sound would you make when sounding out the <t> and <d> in <tr> and <dr> words? Thank you!
- Audrey
He Didn’t Qualify for an IEP
Q:
I teach 4th grade and recently recommended one of my students for testing because he really struggles with reading comprehension, but the school psychologist just said he was fine! Why would this happen? He’s really struggling in class.
- Kelly
When Fidelity Raises Concerns
Q:
Our leadership is telling us to use our classroom reading program with “fidelity,” but the program was published several years ago, so it’s not based on current research. What do you suggest we do?
- Carmen
Is This a Diphthong or Vowel Team?
Q:
What is the difference between a diphthong and a vowel team and how would I explain it to my students?
- Vada