Dyslexia

Dyslexia

The Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia in the following way:

(1) Dyslexia means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read,

write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity.

(2) Related disorders include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia such as developmental

auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and

developmental spelling disability.

(http://www.statutes.legis.state.tx.us/Docs/ED/htm/ED.38.htm#38.003)

Common Risk Factors Associated with Dyslexia

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

Procedures for Identification

1.  The RTI/SIT team will document a student has failed to make adequate progress or a parent requests that a student be assessed for dyslexia.

2.  A REED will be scheduled to determine the pathway for identification (Resources: Figure 3.8, pg. 34 and Explanation)

3.  Consent to evaluate and parent rights are given to the parent/guardian.

Important Updates

Dyslexia Screening

Lackland ISD is required, per Texas Education Code (TEC), §38.003, to conduct universal dyslexia screenings of students in kindergarten and first grade.  First grade students must be screened no later than January 31st.  The Dyslexia Handbook describes the screening criteria for this requirement.  The updates to the Dyslexia Handbook include a reduction in the number of skills that must be included on the instrument used by LEAs to screen for dyslexia.  The updated criteria for English and Spanish screening instruments are as follows: 

Kindergarten	First Grade
Letter Sound Knowledge or Letter Naming Fluency	Word Reading Accuracy or Fluency
Phonological Awareness	Phonological Awareness

 

For additional information related to the Dyslexia Services Program please contact the District Dyslexia/Reading Improvement Specialist, Olga McDonald.   The Lackland ISD Dyslexia Program Awareness for Parents Brochure is linked here.