Students may be assessed for dyslexia at any time. Because of the development process, however, formal identification typically is delayed until the second grade. Children in early education are routinely screened in language skills; and at these times, teachers may begin to collect work samples to include in a referral for dyslexia testing.

Students who do not show progress after early efforts at intervention may be referred to the Campus Support Team (CST). The CST then reviews the recommendation for dyslexia assessment. Section 504 procedures, requiring parental notification and permission, are followed. Information gathered for the CST's consideration may include the following:

• Vision and hearing screening
• Teacher reports
• Parent reports
• Report cards
• Samples of schoolwork
• State assessments (TEC 39.002)
• Reading inventories (TEC 28.006)
• Testing for LEP

What is dyslexia?

It is a learning disability that makes it difficult for people of average intelligence to read, write, and spell. It can also interfere with one's skills at computation and organization. Oftentimes, there is a family history of dyslexia; and though it cannot be cured, per se, individuals with dyslexia can master the skills necessary to succeed academically.

What are the characteristics of dyslexia?

Early Childhood

• May talk later than most children
• May have difficulty with rhyming
• May be slow to add new vocabulary words

Kindergarten through third-grade

• Fails to understand that words come apart (e.g., snowman = snow + man)
• Has difficulty learning the letter names and their sounds
• Has difficulty spelling phonetically
• Reads dysfluently and/or has difficulty reading words in isolation

Fourth-grade through high school

• Has a history of reading and spelling difficulties
• Avoids reading aloud and reading for pleasure
• Reads most materials slowly; oral reading is labored, not fluent
• Has difficulty spelling
• May have an inadequate vocabulary

What do I do if I think my child has dyslexia?

Talk to your child's teacher first. You also may contact the district's 504 or dyslexia coordinators.

What can I do at home to help my child?

Accentuate the positive. Celebrate your child's abilities and patiently encourage efforts to improve in areas of need. Maintain daily routines and give your child one direction at a time. Read and write together. Enjoy literacy with your child. (For example, kids might read a recipe or write out a grocery list.) Contact your child's teacher or the school at any time you have concerns.