What is Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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. International Dyslexia Association.
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.
How does Eastland ISD diagnose dyslexia?
Dyslexia identification involves a lengthy process. An early reading dyslexia screener will be administered in K, 1 & 2 and another screener in 7th grade for those students who did not pass the 6th grade state assessment. EISD is constantly monitoring students for reading difficulties. If despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity, a student still struggles to read, the RTI committee will review interventions which have been tried. If testing seems appropriate, the RTI committee or the parent may request a full individual initial evaluation. The parent must make a formal request in writing at the campus for evaluation. The counselor obtains permission to test in writing, and the parents are advised of their rights. Then, background data is gathered including vision and hearing screenings, teacher reports or classroom concerns and interventions attempted, academic progress reports, samples of schoolwork, progress monitoring results, previous testing completed including state and standardized testing, and attendance records. Parents are asked to provide information about their child and their concerns. Once a history of reading problems is established, a formal assessment is conducted by trained personnel follows. A battery of tests are given following TEA guidelines for specific domains to be tested. Once the evaluation is completed, the ARD Committee meets to determine if the student should be identified as dyslexic and whether the student needs specially designed instruction, intervention, and or accommodations. EISD strongly encourages attendance at ARD meetings.
What does Eastland ISD do to help the dyslexic student?
The earlier a child is identified, the better; however, students can be assessed for reading difficulties at any point in their school career. Eastland ISD Provides:
Dyslexia Class based on the Neuhaus Basic Language Curriculum.
Classroom accommodations
Allowable STAAR accommodations
Yearly meetings with parents, administrators, and teachers.
Easy monitoring of student grades through computerized Parent Connection as well as direct access to all teachers through email.
What can parents do to help their dyslexic child?
Parental support greatly affects the achievement of the student.
Explain your child’s learning differences to him and answer his questions.
Set high standards and attainable goals.
TALK to your child. These children often learn the best orally, so introduce all the vocabulary and learning situations you can.
READ to your child and with your child.
Focus on your child’s strengths and abilities. Encourage hobbies, interest, and talents.
Set a study schedule at home. Your child may need homework support from YOU. Plus, they may need extra time each evening to complete assignments.
Keep in close contact with your student’s teachers (Email works great!) AND monitor their grades daily on Ascender Student Grades.
Encourage your child to take advantage of tutoring opportunities.
Incorporate technology whenever possible. Computers with spelling software can be a dyslexic student’s best friend. Encourage your child to learn to keyboard.
Read about dyslexia or visit informative websites and see what you can learn.
Helpful Resources
Region 14 Education Service Center (325) 675-8600
Dyslexia Handbook Appendix A: Questions and Answers
International Dyslexia Association (800) ABCD123
Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (800) 431-1121 or (214) 559-5000