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:
Fourth Grade-High School:
Post-Secondary:
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 504 / Special Education committee will review the data to determine whether the student meets eligibility as a student with dyslexia. If the student is found eligible, the Section 504 or Special Education committee will create a 504 Plan or 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)
Dyslexia Resource for Parents and Students
Dyslexia Handbook
New Texas Dyslexia Handbook – English
Appendix A for the Dyslexia Handbook (Questions and Answers Updated October 2022) – English
Apéndice A del Manual de dislexia (Preguntas y respuestas actualizadas en octubre de 2022) – Español
Overview of Dyslexia Handbook Changes – English
Descripción general de los cambios en el manual de dislexia: español
A Parent’s Guide to Dyslexia & The DeKalb Independent School District
https://files.gabbart.com/354/a_parents_guide_to_dyslexia.pdf
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 for 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/
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.
Your child has already been registered for Learning Ally. A username and password have been sent home.