Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. Dyslexia refers to a cluster of symptoms, which result in people having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia usually experience difficulties with other language skills such as spelling, writing, and pronouncing words. Dyslexia affects individuals throughout their lives; however, its impact can change at different stages in a person’s life. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can make it very difficult for a student to succeed academically in the typical instructional environment, and in its more severe forms, will qualify a student for special education, special accommodations, or extra support services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who do I talk to regarding my concerns about my student possibly having dyslexia?
It is recommended that you first contact your student's teacher to discuss your concerns related to your child's progress in reading. After talking to your student's teacher, you may wish to express your concerns to your school administration.
What is the process for a dyslexia assessment?
In Texas, evaluations for dyslexia and dysgraphia have moved to a single pathway for identification under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This means that anytime the Local Education Agency (LEA) suspects that a student has dyslexia or a related disorder and may need intervention services, the LEA must seek parental consent for a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) under the IDEA. The process of seeking informed parental consent under IDEA must include proper prior written notice and be accompanied by the notice of procedural safeguards. It is critical that parents and guardians are informed of the procedural protections and rights afforded to them and their child under the IDEA.
This answer does not necessarily apply to students covered by IDEA. If a student is covered by IDEA, the placement decision would be made by the student’s admission, review, and dismissal (ARD) committee, which might include members of the committee of knowledgeable persons previously described for students with dyslexia. The guidelines and procedures adopted have been designed to correlate to the identification and instruction of students with dyslexia and related disorders adopted by the State Board of Education, mandated by the state of Texas, and presented in 2021 Dyslexia Handbook (texas.gov) . This document is intended to provide districts with guidelines for developing written procedures and has been a consistent resource in the development of the GSISD’s dyslexia intervention. GSISD is committed to supporting all students to promote their academic success.
Dyslexia support services are provided at all grade levels.
Resources
2021 Dyslexia Handbook (texas.gov)
GSISD Dyslexia-Dysgraphia Program Guide
Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update
Manual de Dislexia Actualización 2021
ACCESSIBLE BOOKS FOR QUALIFYING STUDENTS WITH VISUAL, PHYSICAL, OR READING DIFFICULTIES
Accessible Books for Texas is a Benetech project funded by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) that provides on-the-ground training and support to Texas public K-12 educators, parents, and students on accessible instructional materials (AIM). Bookshare is Benetech's accessible online library which has over 500,000 titles available to individuals with print disabilities. Visit the Bookshare website for more information at: https://www.bookshare.org/cms
Learning Ally has 80,000 + human-narrated audio books available to individuals with print disabilities. The materials can be delivered through internet downloads and accessed using various mainstream and assistive technology devices. Through a contract with TEA, Learning Ally offers free memberships to Texas K-12 public and charter schools with qualifying students. Visit the Learning Ally website for more information: https://learningally.org SB 2075 requires school districts to notify parents of the Talking Book Program. The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services to qualifying Texans with visual, physical, or reading disabilities. TBP is part of the National Library Service to the Blind and Print Disabled, a program administered by the Library of Congress. The TBP collection consists of more than 100,000 titles, including hundreds of titles in Spanish, and some in French, German, Russian, and other languages. https://www.tsl.texas.gov/tbp/index.html
Dyslexia Specialists: Tammy Barber: tbarber@grandsalineisd.net Gina Holland: gholland@grandsalineisd.net
Region 7 Contact: Angela Venters: aventers@esc7.net
State Dyslexia Helpline # 1-800-232-3030 TEA Dyslexia Webpage link - tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders
Child Find
A child is eligible for Special Education services if he/she demonstrates difficulties in the areas of language/speech, hearing, vision, cognitive/mental, motor/physical development, behavior, or self help. These services are available to all eligible individuals from birth through 21 years of age at no cost to the family regardless the severity of their disability. Please contact Kim McVey at 903-962-5515 ext 403.