What are the characteristics of dyslexia?
A child with dyslexia may have difficulty with:
reading single words learning
letter names and sounds
decoding (breaking apart) unfamiliar words
reading fluently
spelling
understanding a text or story
written expression
remembering common words (vocabulary or
names of objects)
putting rhymes together
*There is not a set list of characteristics for dyslexia - it looks different for every child!
Qualifications of those who deliver services to students with Dyslexia:
According to our Operational Guidelines for Dyslexia (Dyslexia Services Operating Guidelines), Teachers selected to provide Dyslexia Instruction are provided with training in the specific program, training on the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, and participate in Professional Learning Communities with other teachers who provide the same instruction. For students who need a more specialized program, the ARD committee will determine the programming and it will be delivered by a teacher certified in Special Education.
What are the components of evidence-based Dyslexia instruction:
Phonological awareness
Sound-symbol association
Syllabication
Orthography
Morphology
Syntax
Reading comprehension
Reading fluency
Accommodations and Modifications Commonly Considered:
Students with Dyslexia can receive accommodations in class and on state assessments. For a list of the allowable state testing accommodations, visit 2022–2023 Accommodation Resources | Texas Education Agency
Classroom accommodations are determined on an individual basis based on the strengths, weaknesses, and unique needs of the student and indicated on the student’s IEP or 504 plan. These accommodations can include, but are not limited to:
Oral Exams;
Extra time on tests / exams;
Repeated directions;
Printed directions given verbally;
Assistive Technologies that assist students with independent reading and writing (such as Text-To-Speech and Speech-To-Text);
Large print materials;
Materials with additional white space;
Exemptions from reading in front of peers;
Audio versions of required reading materials - (see Learning Ally | Texas Education - Print Disabilities - Audiobooks); and
List of frequently misspelled words.
Others can be found at Accommodations for Students with Dyslexia
Many accommodations given to students in High School can also be continued into College and on Standardized Assessments outside of High School. Students should talk to their special education case manager for more information.
What are the procedures for an evaluation for Dyslexia and for Identification :
The evaluation and identification process for students suspected of having Dyslexia is guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). If a teacher or other staff member suspects that a student may have Dyslexia, they request a Student Support Team (SST) meeting from the Counselor. If a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) is determined to be necessary, the campus ARD facilitator or designee will contact you about scheduling a meeting to obtain informed consent for an FIIE
If you suspect your student has Dyslexia and you would like an evaluation from Texans Can Academies, go to: Child Find | Texans Can Academies.
There you will see a form to complete where you can request an evaluation. The ARD facilitator or designee will contact you about scheduling a meeting to obtain informed consent for an FIIE.
Eligibility is determined by the ARD committee once the evaluation is complete.
For more information on TCA’s Dyslexia Departmental Operational Guidelines, please view our Operational Guidelines document by clicking here Dyslexia Services, or by accessing this on Legal Framework.
Services Available:
Students with Dyslexia that continue to need programming into high school may receive services through 504 or Special Education. Dyslexia instruction is offered one period each day for those who need it. They receive credit for an elective course through participation in this program. For students who need a more specialized program, the ARD committee will determine the programming. Accommodations and modifications can be considered across all courses and throughout the school environment. Students can receive support through the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support if they are struggling in Reading and can receive support courses and accommodations as needed.
