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Dyslexia

Dyslexia


Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
                                                                                                    

The International Dyslexia Association
Dyslexia Common Risk Factors

Preschool-Third Grade:

  • Failure to understand that words are made up of parts or individual sounds
  • Difficulty learning the letter names and their corresponding sound
  • Difficulty reading single words in isolation
  • Choppy and labored reading
  • Difficulty spelling phonetically

Fourth Grade-High School:

  • History of reading and spelling difficulties
  • Difficulty reading aloud
  • Avoids reading for pleasure
  • Difficulty learning a foreign language

Post-Secondary:

  • Difficulty with spoken vocabulary
  • Difficulty completing the reading demands for multiple course requirements

How is a student identified for Dyslexia Services?

Students enrolled in Texas public schools shall be assessed for dyslexia and related disorders at appropriate times (TEC §38.003 (a)). The appropriate time depends on multiple factors including the student's reading performance; reading difficulties; poor response to supplemental, scientifically based reading instruction; teacher's input; and input from the parents/guardians. Schools shall recommend assessment for dyslexia if the student demonstrates the following:

Poor performance in one or more areas of reading and spelling that is unexpected for the student's age/grade

Characteristics and risk factors of dyslexia

Trained dyslexia evaluators administer a battery of assessments. Data from these assessments are
analyzed to determine whether the student demonstrates characteristics of dyslexia. The data is presented in a dyslexia evaluation report. 

Once the evaluation is complete, the ARD committee will review the data to determine whether the student meets eligibility as a student with dyslexia. If the student is found eligible, the ARD committee will create an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to delineate appropriate services which may include dyslexia intervention classes, instructional accommodations, and/or testing accommodations.

Procedural Safeguards (English)

Procedural Safeguards (Spanish)

Procedural Safeguards in Other Languages

ARD Guide English

ARD Guide Spanish

ARD Guide & Procedural Safeguards Webpage for other languages


 

Dyslexia Resource for Parents and Students

Dyslexia Handbook

New Texas Dyslexia Handbook – English

Appendix A for the Dyslexia Handbook (Questions and Answers Updated August 2023) – English

Apéndice A del Manual de dislexia (Preguntas y respuestas actualizadas en agosto de 2023) – Español

EL MANUAL SOBRE LA DISLEXIA 

Overview of Dyslexia Handbook Changes – English 

Descripción general de los cambios en el manual de dislexia: español

Dyslexia Fact Sheet – English

Dixlexia – Hoja de datos para las familias

Texas Education Agency Dyslexia and Related Disorders

Overview of Special Education for Parents

Información general para los padres sobre la educación especial

House Bill (HB) 3928 Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction 

Proyecto de Ley de la Cámara de Representantes (HB) 3928  Evaluación, identificación e instrucción para la dislexia

SpedTex Information Center

 

Child Find Information

 

Talking Book Program         English Flyer           Folleto del programa del libro que habla

The Talking Book Program (TBP) offers students with reading disabilities - such as dyslexia - a variety of reading materials, from Pre-K to young adults. Digital audiobooks allow students to read the latest bestseller or a classic book needed for a classroom assignment. 

Qualified students can apply to the free program.

For more information or questions, visit www.texastalkingbooks.org or call 1-800-252-9605 or 512-463-5458 in Austin.

BARD Mobile App

The Braille and Audio Reading Download (BARD) is a free web-based service that provides access to thousands of digital audiobooks, magazines and music scores. 

The BARD Mobile app for Android, iOS, and Kindle may be downloaded through the App Store, Google Play Store and Amazon Appstore. 

TBP patrons can ask questions about BARD Mobile by calling TBP toll-free at 1-800-252-9605 in Texas or 512-463-5458 in Austin. You can also visit TBP’s homepage for more information at www.texastalkingbooks.org

 

 

 

Dyslexia Contact Information

Dyslexia Teachers – Cynthia Matteson – Cynthia.Matteson@dekalbisd.net and Amanda Calvit – Amanda.Calvit@dekalbisd.net  

Diagnostician – Lori Beck, Lori.beck@nbschools.net

DISD Counselors – DHS – Lea.Dooley@dekalbisd.net DMS- Christie.Lee@dekalbisd.net DES – Jonna.Reed@dekalbisd.net 

 

Other Dyslexia Resources

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/dyslexia/

https://www.understood.org/en/learning-attention-issues/child-learning-disabilities/dyslexia/understanding-dyslexia

https://dyslexiaida.org

http://dyslexia.yale.edu

https://www.bookshare.org/cms

 

Learning Ally

Proven support! Ensuring dyslexic students who struggle to read can succeed. We know your child may struggle to read due to learning differences, but they are able to comprehend information way above their ability to decode words. With Learning Ally audio books for kids, we bridge this gap with human-read audiobooks. As a result, now struggling readers can access and absorb the books they want to read or need to read for school. The best audiobook app helps your child, regardless of grade-level, thrive in school and beyond.

www.LearningAlly.org

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