Dyslexia & Related Disorders (Dysgraphia & Dyscalculia)
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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 growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Dyslexia is a neurological condition caused by a different wiring of the brain. There is no cure for dyslexia and individuals with this condition must learn coping strategies. Research indicates that dyslexia has no relationship to intelligence. Individuals with dyslexia are neither more nor less intelligent than the general population. But some say the way individuals with dyslexia think can actually be an asset in achieving success. (International Dyslexia Association - IDA)
Dyslexia Screening
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/review-and-support/dyslexia-screening
Texas state law (TEC §38.003) requires that public school students be screened and tested as appropriate for dyslexia and related disorders at appropriate times in accordance with a program approved by the SBOE. The program approved by the SBOE must include screening for each student at the end of the kindergarten year and then again during first grade.
Texas Education Code §38.003 does not explicitly state when first grade students must be screened. The SBOE, through approval of the rule which requires adherence to the Dyslexia handbook (TAC §74.28) has determined that students in first grade must be screened no later than the middle of the school year. Screening of first-grade students can begin anytime in the fall as the teacher deems appropriate. Grade 1 screening must conclude no later than January 31 of each year.
Once the screening process has been completed, parents will be notified of the results. If the campus screening committee determines that there is suspicion of dyslexia for a student, the parent will be contacted and informed about an evaluation under the special education program.
Once the full and individual evaluation has been completed, the results will be shared with the parents.
2021 Dyslexia Updates for Families
2021 Dyslexia Updates for Families (Spanish)
Dyslexia Resources:
https://dyslexiaida.org/
Dyslexia Parent Awareness
A Parent's Guide to Dyslexia
Dyslexia Online Resource Supports for Students
Talking Books Program
https://www.readingrockets.org/
Bilingual Resources for Parents
https://learningally.org/ Audiobooks for students
Texas Legal Framework
Dyslexia Resources for Teachers:
Dyslexia in the Classroom - What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Dyslexia Fact Sheet(s): TEA
English
Spanish
The Dyslexia Handbook
The Dyslexia Handbook 2001 Update: Important Changes for Families to Understand (English)
The Dyslexia Handbook 2001 Update: Important Changes for Families to Understand (Spanish)
The Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update (English)
The Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update (Spanish)