Please refer to your local district policy regarding Parental Notice of Assistance for Learning Difficulties.
DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS
Definitions
“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.
Education Code 38.003(d)
“Screening a student for dyslexia or a related disorder” means the administration of a universal screening instrument required for students in kindergarten and grade 1.
“Testing a student for dyslexia or a related disorder” means comprehensive evaluation as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) [see EHBAA], and includes evaluation components as stated in the Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders, for the identification of dyslexia or a related disorder.
“Treatment for a student identified with dyslexia or a related disorder” means any instructional accommodations through an accommodation plan under Section 504 or instructional accommodations, modifications, and/or the provision of dyslexia instruction in accordance with a student’s individualized education program (IEP).
“Direct dyslexia instruction, or dyslexia instruction” means evidence-based dyslexia instruction that includes the required components of dyslexia instruction and instructional delivery methods as outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook and as described by a student’s IEP.
“Provider of dyslexia instruction (PDI)” means a provider who meets the requirements of Education Code 29.0032, see below.
19 TAC 74.28(a)
IDEA Requirements
Dyslexia is an example of and meets the definition of a specific learning disability under the IDEA [see EHBAA]. If a district suspects or has a reason to suspect that a student may have dyslexia, and that the student may be a child with a disability under IDEA, the district and TSBVI must:
- Provide to the student’s parent or a person standing in parental relation to the student a form developed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA) explaining the rights available under the IDEA that may be additional to the rights available under Section 504 [see FB];
- Comply with all federal and state requirements, including the Dyslexia Handbook, as adopted by the State Board of Education (SBOE), and its subsequent amendments, regarding any evaluation of the student; and
- If the student is evaluated for dyslexia or a related disorder, also evaluate the student in any other areas in which the district and TSBVI suspect the student may have a disability.
Education Code 29.003(a)
The Board must ensure that procedures are implemented for identifying and providing appropriate, evidence-based instructional services to students for dyslexia and related disorders, in accordance with 19 Administrative Code 74.28, inclusive of the Dyslexia Handbook. See TEA’s Dyslexia webpage: https://tea.texas.gov/academics/dyslexia/ (link to Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders).
Screening, Identification and Testing
Screening and other evaluations described in the Dyslexia Handbook should be done only by individuals who are trained in valid, evidence-based assessments to evaluate students for dyslexia and related disorders and will include an LSSP and/or a certified diagnostician who is familiar with assessment considerations for blind and visually impaired students.
Before an identification or assessment procedure is used selectively with an individual student, local district shall notify the student’s parent or guardian or another person standing in parental relation to the student through the student’s ARD meeting.
A process for early identification, intervention, and support for students at risk for dyslexia and related disorders must be available, as outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook. TSBVI may not use early intervention strategies, including multi-tiered systems of support, to delay or deny provision of a full and individual evaluation to a student suspected of having a specific learning disability, including dyslexia.
Treatment
The School shall provide each identified student access to instructional programs required at Reading Program below and to the services of a teacher trained in visual impairment and dyslexia and related disorders. A local ISD may, with the approval of each student’s parents or guardians, offer additional services at a centralized location, but centralized services shall not preclude each student from receiving services at his or her campus. 19 TAC 74.28(i)
Reading Program
TSBVI shall purchase a reading program or develop its own reading program that is aligned with the descriptors in the Dyslexia Handbook and consistent with recommendations for students with visual impairments.
Teachers who screen or treat these students must be trained in instructional strategies that use individualized, intensive, multisensory, phonetic methods and a variety of writing and spelling components described in the Dyslexia Handbook. The professional development activities specified by the ARD committee shall include these instructional strategies.
Reassessment
Unless otherwise provided by law, a student determined to have dyslexia during screening or testing or accommodated because of dyslexia, may not be rescreened or retested for dyslexia for the purpose of reassessing the student’s need for accommodations until the School reevaluates the information obtained from previous screening or testing of the student.
Compliance Monitoring
TSBVI will be subject to monitoring for compliance with federal law and regulations in connection with 19 Administrative Code 74.28 and be subject to auditing and monitoring for compliance with state dyslexia laws in accordance with administrative rules issued by the commissioner of education as required by Education Code 38.003(c-1). 19 TAC 74.28(g)
Parent Education
TSBVI will provide a parent education program for parents and guardians of students with dyslexia and related disorders, with an emphasis on how their child’s visual impairment impacts their child’s dyslexia. This program will include awareness of characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders; information on testing and diagnosis of dyslexia; information on effective strategies for teaching dyslexic students who also have a visual impairment; and awareness of information on modifications, especially modifications allowed on standardized testing. TSBVI will share information regarding testing accommodations for dyslexic and/or blind and visually impaired students.
Education Code 38.003; 19 TAC 74.28
Audiobook Program Notification
TSBVI must notify each parent of a child with dyslexia or related disorder of the program available from the Texas State Library and Archives Commission for borrowing audiobooks free of charge. The notification must be done as directed by the commissioner of education. Education Code 28.006(g-2)
Adopted: 7/12/85
Amended: 9/27/90, 5/24/96, 1/24/97, 1/24/02, 11/9/12, 11/15/18, 8/7/20, 5/30/25
Reviewed: