Edina Public Schools (EPS) takes the issue of all reading concerns very seriously and screens all elementary students for indicators of dyslexia in compliance with Minnesota Statute 120B.12. These screening efforts are designed to identify students who may need learning interventions or further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.
Dyslexic students are often described as creative, innovative thinkers with general knowledge, vocabulary, and reasoning skills in the average to the above-average range. Many of these students think outside the box, can be highly verbal, average to advanced oral language expression, come up with novel solutions to problems, and are hands-on learners (International Dyslexia Association, 2021). Dr. Sally Shaywitz at Yale University’s Center for Study of Learning and Attention call dyslexia an “encapsulated weakness surrounded by a sea of strengths.”
"Dyslexia" means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent recognition of words 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 the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.
Edina Public Schools does not formally diagnose dyslexia. However, EPS does actively monitor student performance and screen for reading concerns that would indicate a need for supplemental instruction, alternative learning methods, or specialized instructional services. Please see the Interventions section of this guide for more information on how Edina supports students. Students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia outside of the school system must meet the state and federal eligibility criteria in order to qualify for special education services.