Texas Education Code Definition

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 dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability. Related disorders includes similar to or related to dyslexia such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability.

International Dyslexia Association Definition:

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 growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Adopted by the IDA Board, November 2002. This definition is also used by the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), 2002.

"For a dyslexic who does not yet know they are dyslexic, life is like a big high wall you never think you will be able to climb or get over. The moment you understand there is something called dyslexia, and there are ways of getting around the problem, the whole world opens up." Sir Jackie Stewart

Dyslexia Helpline 1-800-232-3030

Listed below are possible accommodations for the §504, or Admission, Review, Dismissal (ARD) Committee of Knowledgeable Persons to consider for a student with dyslexia. This is not an exclusive list.

Textbooks and Curriculum

Books/Reading

• Provide audiotapes/CDs of textbooks and have student follow the text while listening
• Provide summaries of chapters
• Use marker or highlighting tape to highlight important textbook sections
• Assign peer reading buddies
• Use colored transparency or overlay
• Review vocabulary prior to reading
• Provide preview questions
• Use videos/filmstrips related to the readings
• Provide a one-page summary and/or a review of important facts
• Do not require student to read aloud
• Talk through the material one-to-one after reading assignments

Curriculum

• Shorten assignments to focus on mastery of key concepts
• Shorten spelling tests to focus on mastering the most functional words
• Substitute alternatives for written assignments (posters, oral/taped or video presentations, projects, collages, etc.)

Classroom Environment

• Provide a computer for written work
• Seat student close to teacher in order to monitor understanding
• Provide quiet during intense learning times

Directions

• Give directions in small steps and with as few words as possible
• Break complex direction into small steps—arrange in a vertical list format
• Read written directions to student, then model/demonstrate
• Accompany oral directions with visual clues
• Use both oral and written directions
• Ask student to repeat; check for understanding

Writing

• Use worksheets that require minimal writing
• Provide a “designated note taker;” photocopy another student’s or teacher’s notes
• Provide a print outline with videotapes and filmstrips
• Allow student to use a keyboard when appropriate
• Allow student to respond orally
• Grade only for content not spelling or handwriting
• Have student focus on a single aspect of a writing assignment (elaboration, voice, etc.)
• Allow student to dictate answer to essay questions
• Reduce copying tasks
• Reduce written work

Math

• Allow student to use a calculator without penalty
• Use visuals and concrete examples
• Use grid paper to help correctly line up math problems
• Present information in small increments and at a slower pace
• Take time to reteach if student is struggling to understand
• Read story problems aloud
• Break problems into smaller steps

Grading

• Provide opportunity to test orally
• Allow student to type responses
• Read test to student
• Evaluate oral performances more than written
• Avoid penalizing for spelling errors, reversals, etc.

Testing

• Go over directions orally
• Permit as much time as needed to complete tests; avoid timed testing
• Read test materials and allow oral responses
• Separate content from mechanics/conventions grade
• Provide typed test materials, not tests written in cursive
• Allow student to respond on tape, with a typewriter, or by dictating answers to a tutor for assessment
• Allow tests to be taken in a room with few distractions

Homework

• Reduce reading assignments; keeping concepts that have been taught
• Accept work dictated by student to a parent/tutor
• Limit amount of time to spend on homework; have parents verify time spent on assignments

 Empty heading

Talking about dyslexia…

"Never let dyslexia be an excuse for not achieving success. Chart your course and work to make your dreams a reality. Once you do that, there is nothing to ever hinder you."

— Carolyn McCarthy, Former member of U.S. House of Representatives

The following are the reading/spelling characteristics of dyslexia:

• Difficulty reading words in isolation;
• Difficulty accurately decoding unfamiliar words;
• Difficulty with oral reading (slow, inaccurate, or labored);
• Difficulty spelling.

The reading/spelling characteristics are most often associated with the following:

• Segmenting, blending, and manipulating sounds in words (phonemic awareness);
• Learning the names of letters and their associated sounds;
• Holding information about sounds and words in memory (phonological memory);
• Rapidly recalling the names of familiar objects, colors, or letters of the alphabet (rapid naming).

Consequences of dyslexia may include the following:

• Variable difficulty with aspects of reading comprehension;
• Variable difficulty with aspects of written language;
• Limited vocabulary growth do to reduced reading experiences.

Just a few celebrities & other important figures with dyslexia:

• Erin Brokovich
• Stephen J. Cannell
• Cher
• Tom Cruise
• Thomas Edison
• Danny Glover

• Whoopi Goldberg
• Tommy Hilfiger
• Nolan Ryan
• Charles Schwab
• Jackie Stewart
• Henry Winkler
• MANY more...

(Source: The International Dyslexia Association)

Develop awareness

• Staff development

Select teachers and curriculum materials

• Number of teachers needed (elementary, middle, high school)
• Review of teacher certifications and training
• Review of curriculum materials and teaching programs in district

Develop (or obtain) forms for:

• Data gathering
• Parent/teacher observations
• Recommend for assessment
• Others (e.g. 504, testing, accommodation, monitoring, etc.)

Set-up process (and establish responsibility) for:

• Screening
• Assessment
• Evaluation
• Identification (committee decision)
• Intervention/instructional options
• Progress monitoring

Determine exit criteria

Establish support system for exited students

Talking about dyslexia…

"Dyslexia is not due to lack of intelligence, it's a lack of access. It's like, if you're dyslexic, you have all the information you need, but find it harder to process."

— Orlando Bloom, English Actor

School districts may purchase a reading program or develop their own reading program for students with dyslexia and related disorders as long as the program is characterized by the descriptors found inThe Dyslexia Handbook [19 TAC §74.28(c)].

Descriptors related to evidence-based instructional components:

• Phonological awareness – "Phonological awareness is the understanding of the internal sound structure of words. A phoneme is the smallest unit of sound in a given language that can be recognized as being distinct from other sounds. An important aspect of phonological awareness is the ability to segment spoken words into their component phonemes" (Birsh, 2011, p.19).
• Sound-symbol association – Sound-symbol association is the knowledge of the varies speech sounds in any language to the corresponding letter or letter combinations that represent those speech sounds. The mastery of sound/symbol association (alphabetic principle) is the foundation for the ability to read (decode) and spell (encode) (Birsh, 2011, p.19). "Explicit phonics refers to an organized program in which these sound symbol correspondences are taught systematically" (Berninger & Wolf, 2009, p. 53).
• Syllabication – "A syllable is a unit of oral or written language with one vowel sound. The six basic types of syllables in the English language include the following; closed, open, vowel-e consonant-e, r-controlled, vowel pair (or vowel team), and consonant-le (or final stable syllable). Rules for dividing syllables must be directly taught in relation to the word structure" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).
• Orthography – Orthography is the written spelling patterns and rules in a given language. Students must be taught the regularity and irregularity of the orthographic patterns of a language in an explicit and systematic manner. The instruction should be integrated with phonology and sound-symbol knowledge.
• Morphology – "Morphology is the study of how a base word, prefix, root, suffix (morphemes) combine to form words. A morpheme is the smallest unit of meaning in a given Language" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).
• Syntax – "Syntax is the sequence and function of words in a sentence in order to convey meaning. This includes grammar and sentence variation and affects choices regarding mechanics of a given language" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).
• Reading comprehension – Reading comprehension is the process of extracting and constructing meaning through the interaction of the reader with the text to be comprehended and the specific purpose for reading. The reader's skill in reading comprehension depends upon the development of accurate and fluent word recognition, oral language development (especially vocabulary and listening comprehension), background knowledge, use of appropriate strategies to enhance comprehension and repair it if it breaks down, and the reader's interest in what he or she is reading and motivation to comprehend its meaning (Birsh, 2011, pp. 9 and 368; Snow, 2002).
• Reading fluency – "Reading fluency is the ability to read text with sufficient speed and accuracy to support comprehension" (Moats & Dakin, 2008, p. 52). Teachers can help promote fluency with several interventions that have proven successful in helping students with fluency (e.g., repeated readings, word lists, and choral reading of passages) (Henry, 2010, p. 104).

Descriptors related to instructional approaches:

• Simultaneous, multisensory (VAKT) – "Multisensory instruction utilizes all learning pathways in the brain (visual, auditory, kinesthetic-tactile) simultaneously in order to enhance memory and learning" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19). "Children are actively engaged in learning language concepts and other information, often by using their hands, arms, mouths, eyes, and whole bodies while learning" (Moats & Dakin, 2008, p. 58).
• Systematic and cumulative – "Systematic and cumulative instruction requires the organization of material follow order of the language. The sequence must begin with the easiest concepts and progress methodically to more difficult concepts. Each step must also be based on elements previously learned. Concepts taught must be systematically reviewed to strengthen memory" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).
• Explicit instruction – "Explicit instruction is explained and demonstrated by the teacher one language and print concept at a time, rather than left to discovery through incidental encounters with information. Poor readers do not learn that print represents speech simply from exposure to books or print" (Moats & Dakin, 2008, p. 58). Explicit instruction is "an approach that involves direct instruction: The teacher demonstrates the task and provides guided practice with immediate corrective feedback before the student attempts the task independently" (Mather & Wendling, 2012, p. 326).
• Diagnostic teaching to automaticity – "Diagnostic teaching is knowledge of prescriptive instruction that will meet individual student needs of language and print concepts. The teaching plan is based on continual assessment of the student's retention and application of skills" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19). "This teacher knowledge is essential for guiding the content and emphasis of instruction for the individual student" (Moats & Dakin, 2008, p. 58). "When a reading skill becomes automatic (direct access without conscious awareness), it is performed quickly in an efficient manner" (Berninger & Wolf, 2009, p. 70).
• Synthetic instruction – "Synthetic instruction presents the parts of any alphabetic language (morphemes) to teach how the word parts work together to form a whole (e.g., base word, derivative)" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).
• Analytic instruction – "Analytic instruction presents the whole (e.g., base word, derivative) and teaches how the whole word can be broken into its component parts (e.g., base word, prefix, root, and suffix)" (Birsh, 2011, p. 19).

Talking about dyslexia…

"For me, dyslexia is not a disability. The unique strengths and characteristics of dyslexia allow me to think 'outside the box'. Until I was taught the Orton Gillingham approach, I did not have the basic reading, writing, and arithmetic skills necessary for success."

— Peter W. D. Wright, Attorney for children with Special Needs

1. The board of trustees of a school district must ensure that procedures for identifying a student with dyslexia or a related disorder and for providing appropriate instructional services to the student are implemented in the district. These procedures will be monitored by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) with on-site visits conducted as appropriate.
2. A school district's procedures must be implemented according to the State Board of Education (SBOE) approved strategies for screening, and techniques for treating, dyslexia and related disorders. The strategies and techniques are described in "Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders," a set of flexible guidelines for local districts that may be modified by SBOE only with broad-based dialogue that includes input from educators and professionals in the field of reading and dyslexia and related disorders from across the state. Screening should be done only by individuals/professionals who are trained to assess students for dyslexia and related disorders.
3. A school district shall purchase a reading program or develop its own reading program for students with dyslexia and related disorders that is aligned with the descriptors found in "Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders." Teachers who screen and treat these students must be trained in instructional strategies that utilize individualized, intensive, multisensory, phonetic methods and a variety of writing and spelling components described in the “Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders.” The professional development activities specified by each district and/or campus planning and decision making committee shall include these instructional strategies.
4. Before an identification or assessment procedure is used selectively with an individual student, the school district must notify the student’s parent or guardian or another person standing in parental relation to the student.
5. Parents/guardians of students eligible under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, §504, must be informed of all services and options available to the student under that federal statute.
6. Each school must provide each identified student access at his or her campus to instructional programs required in subsection (c) of this section and to the services of a teacher trained in dyslexia and related disorders. The school district may, with the approval of each student’s parents or guardians, offer additional services at a centralized location. Such centralized services shall not preclude each student from receiving services at his or her campus.
7. Because early intervention is critical, a process for early identification, intervention, and support for students at risk for dyslexia and related disorders must be available in each district as outlined in the “Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders.”
8. Each school district shall provide a parent education program for parents/guardians of students with dyslexia and related disorders. This program should include: awareness of characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders; information on testing and diagnosis of dyslexia; information on effective strategies for teaching dyslexic students; and awareness of information on modification, especially modifications allowed on standardized testing.

Source: The provisions of this §74.28 adopted to be effective September 1, 1996, 21 TexReg 4311; amended to be effective September 1, 2001, 25 TexReg 7691; amended to be effective August 8, 2006, 31 TexReg 6212; amended to be effective August 24, 2010, 35 TexReg 7211.

Talking about dyslexia…

Once the fog lifts, dyslexics are prone to genius. Because theirs is such a unique way of looking at reality.

— Victor Villasenor, Author

1. Students enrolling in public schools in this state shall be tested for dyslexia and related disorders at appropriate times in accordance with a program approved by the State Board of Education.
2. In accordance with the program approved by the State Board of Education, the board of trustees of each school district shall provide for the treatment of any student determined to have dyslexia or a related disorder.
3. The State Board of Education shall adopt any rules and standards necessary to administer this section.
4. In this section:
5. “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. “Related disorders” includes disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability.

Added by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 260, § 1, eff. May 30, 1995.

Talking about dyslexia…

"Dyslexia brings more gifts than glitches. If you have it, flaunt it. When you stumble, hold out a hand. Help will come. When you achieve, stand proud and then lend a hand with humility."

— Mark R. Wilkinson

The Texas Education Agency is pleased to announce the launch of the Twice-Exceptional Children and G/T Services website. The Twice-Exceptional children website is designed to provide administrators, educators, and parents with practical resources for identifying and serving the twice-exceptional learner. Twice-exceptional students are those who perform at - or show the potential for performing at - a remarkably high level of accomplishment when compared to others of the same age, experience, or environment and who also gives evidence of one or more disabilities as defined by federal or state eligibility.

The website is organized into sections that focus on the life of the twice-exceptional learner: student, school, and family/community. The website provides a comprehensive view of the cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs of twice-exceptional learners. It includes a framework for identifying twice-exceptional learners and provides tools and resources districts can use to inform local policy and develop a plan to meet the diverse needs of these students.

• Twice-Exceptional "Myths vs. Facts" Quiz
• Twice-Exceptional flowchart to aid in the assessment and identification of students

When I had dyslexia, they didn't diagnose it as that. It was frustrating and embarrassing. I could tell you a lot of horror stories about what you feel like on the inside. Keep pitching! Don't let failure of your last pitch affect the success of your next pitch.

— Nolan Ryan

• All Kinds of Minds by Mel Levine, M.D.
• Basic Facts About Dyslexia & Other Reading Problems by Louisa Cook Moats, Karen E. Dakin
• Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning About Print—A Summary by Marilyn Jager Adams
• Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain by Maryanne Wolf
• Dyslexia: Theory and Practice of Instruction, Third Edition by Diana Brewster Clark, Joanna Kellog Uhry
• English Isn’t Crazy! by Diana Handbury King
• Helping Children Overcome L.D. by Gerome Rosner
• Homework Without Tears: A Parent’s Guide for Motivating Children To Do Homework and To Succeed in School by Lee Canter, Lee Hausner
• How Dyslexic Benny Became a Star: A Story of Hope for Dyslexic Children and Their Parents by Joe Griffith
• Informed Instruction for Reading Success: Foundations for Teacher Preparation by The International Dyslexia Association
• Josh: A Boy With Dyslexia by Caroline Janover
• Keeping A Head in School: A Student’s Book about Learning Abilities and Learning Disorders by Mel Levine, M.D.
• Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and AdHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution by Jonathan Mooney, David Cole
• Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, 3rd Edition by Judith R. Birsh (Ed.)
• My Name is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt
• Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at An Level by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
• Parenting a Struggling Reader by Susan L. Hall, Louisa C. Moats
• Proust and the Squid, The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf
• Reading Assessment: Linking Language, Literacy, and Cognition by Melissa Lee Farrall
• Reading David: A Mother and Son’s Journey Through the Labyrinth of Dyslexia by Lissa Weinstein, Ph.D.
• Revealing Minds: Assessing to Understand and Support Struggling Learners by Craig Pohlman
• Smart Kids with School Problems: Things to Know & Ways to Help by Pricilla Vail
• Speech to Print by Louisa C. Moats
• Straight Talk About Reading: How Parents Can Make a Difference During the Early Yearsby Susan L. Hall, Louisa C. Moats
• The Difficult Child by Stanley Turecki, M.D., Leslie Tonner
• The Many Faces of Dyslexia by Margaret Byrd Rawson
• The Misunderstood Child: Understanding and Coping with Your Child’s Learning Disabilityby Larry B. Silver, M.D.
• The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
• The Source for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia by Regina Richards
• The Tuned-in, Turned-on Book about Learning Problems by Marnell Hayes
• The Voice of Evidence in Reading Research by Peggy McCardle, Vinita Chhabra
• The Worst Speller in Jr. High by Caroline Janover, Rosemary Wellner
• “What’s Wrong with Me?” Learning Disabilities at Home and School by Regina Cicci