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 the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. (Lyon, G.R., Shaywitz, S. E., Shaywitz, B.A. (2003). A definition of dyslexia. Annals of Dyslexia, 53, 1-14.) Students with dyslexia can be served under special education or under Section 504, depending on the student’s unique needs. To access the TEA Website regarding Dyslexia, please click on the link below:

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders

The Texas Dyslexia Handbook is developed and adopted into administrative rule by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The SBOE requires that each district and open-enrollment charter school implement the SBOE’s strategies for screening, individualized evaluation, and techniques for treating dyslexia and related disorders through its approved “Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders” [19 Texas Administrative Code 74.28]

On September 3rd, 2021, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval for updates to the Dyslexia Handbook. Some of the updates to the Dyslexia Handbook may require LEAs to make policy, procedure, and practice changes. LEAs were informed of these changes in a To The Administrator Addressed letter in September, 2021 so that they could be well positioned to be in compliance once the changes went into effect.

The updated Texas Dyslexia Handbook, linked below, is in effect as of February 10th, 2022.

Senate Bill 2075

Senate Bill (SB) 2075 requires school districts to notify the parents or guardians of students determined, on the basis of dyslexia screening or reading instrument results to have dyslexia or a related disorder, or to be at risk for dyslexia or other reading difficulties, to have access to the Talking Book Program (TBP) maintained by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission. The TBP provides students with reading disabilities the ability to borrow audiobooks free of charge and includes over 100,000 titles, hundreds of which are in Spanish.

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Additionally, SB 2075 requires the TEA to:

•      effectively audit, monitor, and periodically conduct site visits of all school districts to ensure that districts are complying with this requirement, including the program approved by the SBOE;

•      identify any problems school districts experience in complying with the requirements, including the program approved by the SBOE under this section; and 

•     develop reasonable and appropriate remedial strategies to address school district noncompliance.

Along with existing materials accessible through the TEA website, the agency will develop high-quality resources, including minimum-standard guidelines and best practice frameworks regarding dyslexia screening and treatment. Auditing and monitoring as described in SB 2075 will be conducted by the Division of Special Populations and Monitoring. Additional guidance will be provided over the next two years regarding such procedures. 

The Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity: Yale University’s Center for Dyslexia and Creativity seeks to illuminate the strengths of those with dyslexia, disseminate information, practical advice, and the latest innovations from scientific research, and transform the lives of children and adults with dyslexia. Visit their site to learn more about their cutting-edge research and get concrete tips for parents, educators, and individuals with dyslexia.

International Dyslexia Association: The International Dyslexia Association is a national nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with dyslexia, their families, and the communities that support them. Visit their site to connect with a local branch near you, find IDA-member providers in your area, and learn more about dyslexia.

Understood.Org: Understood is a group of nonprofits who help parents by providing resources for children who are struggling with attention and learning issues. Understood creates thousands of articles, decision guides, quizzes, slideshows, tips and tools, like Through Your Child’s Eyes, Parenting Coach, Tech Finder, Decision Guide, and more. Parents can make effective choices that propel their children from simply coping to truly thriving.

Bookshare: Bookshare is an accessible online library for people with dyslexia and other disabilities. Over 160,000 titles are available, and membership is free for students with disabilities.

Learning Ally: Learning Ally, formerly known as Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, offers more than 75,000 digitally recorded audiobooks (including both textbooks and literary titles).