Dyslexia

According to the TEA's website, Dyslexia is considered a "special student population" and is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and 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.

Does Special Education law include dyslexia?

The answer is yes.

Parents and educators often ask if dyslexia is included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA, 2004), the federal special education law, and if the word dyslexia can be used in an IDEA evaluation, eligibility determinations, or individualized education program (IEP) documents.

Dyslexia is a condition that could qualify a child as having a specific learning disability under the IDEA. There is nothing in the IDEA that would prohibit the use of the term dyslexia in IDEA evaluation, eligibility determinations, or IEP documents. Further, State and Local Education Agencies cannot prohibit the use of the term dyslexia in evaluations, eligibility, and IEP documents.

The IDEA and its implementing regulation contain a list of conditions under the definition ‘specific learning disability,’ also known as SLD. This list includes dyslexia. (From National Center for Improving Literacy)

SBISD's Referral Process

See the International Dyslexia Association's Dyslexia fact sheets

SBISD's Services for Dyslexia

Orton Gillingham Methodology

Dyslexia Parent Handbook describing SBISD's 504 Program phases of

Foundations
Applications
Monitoring

Advocacy

Regarding Special Education funding, Texas PTA's legislative priority is to monitor TEA’s Special Education Strategic Plan, corrective action taken after an investigation by the U.S. Department of Education.

August 21, 2021 OSEP Letter to Mike Morath

OSEP Letter Enclosures

Decoding Dyslexia

The Dyslexia Initiative

Empowering Dyslexia for Spring Branch Houston on Facebook

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