Kansas Reading Initiative

The state of Kansas has developed a Reading Initiative to address struggling readers including students who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia. USD 290 is following the recommendations released by the Kansas State Department of Education which includes providing professional development for teachers, screenings, and evidence-based literacy instruction as outlined in the recommendations.

DEFINITION OF DYSLEXIA

Kansas has adopted the International Dyslexia Association’s definition of 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, 2002)