Hello everyone, my name is Danette Wofford. I am an Alumni of Stephen F. Austin State University. I received both my undergraduate and master's degree from SFASU. My undergraduate degree is in Interdisciplinary Studies with a reading specialization and my Master's of Education in Reading. I am a Certified Academic Language Therapist and a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist. I received my training through Neuhaus Education Center. The evidence-based dyslexia instruction I provide is Neuhaus Basic Language Skills, which consists of three books. Basic Language Skills is a 3 year program, but depends on student success.
This will be my 30th year in education and I have been serving dyslexia students since 2006. Reading is my passion and I want to instill my love of reading to all my students.
I am glad to be part of Mike Moses Elementary this year and bring my love of reading to all of my students.
Contact Information: DWofford@nacisd.org
The International Dyslexia Association defines “dyslexia” in the following way: 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.
Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board ofDirectors, November 12, 2002
https://dyslexiaida.org/
Audio Book Program
The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services for Texans of any age who are blind or have a visual, physical, or reading disability.
An individual who is blind.
An individual who has a visual impairment that makes them unable to comfortably read standard print books.
An individual who has a physical disability that makes it hard to hold or manipulate a book or to focus or move the eyes as needed to read a print book.
An individual who has a perceptual or reading disability.
Registered TBP patrons may borrow books and magazines in digital audio, Braille, and large print.
Materials and playback machines are mailed to your door, completely free of charge—you do not have to pay for postage when you return them. Eligible Texas residents who cannot read standard print material in the usual manner can complete an application and return it by mail. TBP will call you to set up an account after the application is approved. Contact us for any questions or comments you may have.
Audio Book Program
Proven support for your kid! Ensuring dyslexic students who struggle to read can succeed. We know your child may struggle to read due to learning differences, but they are able to comprehend information way above their ability to decode words. With Learning Ally audio books for your family, we bridge this gap with human-read books. As a result, now struggling readers can access and absorb the classic books they want to read or need to read for school. The best audiobook app helps your kids, regardless of grade-level, thrive in the classroom and beyond. Our books can provide confidence that improves all aspects of life.
Human-read books for kids will help them focus, visualize, and understand content
Access textbooks and stories children want to read with an audiobook subscription
Read independently with the best audiobook app and improve comprehension skills
Builds vocabulary, background knowledge and comprehension of a story
Read independently and easily with unlimited access to over 80,000 books in our audio book library
Make reading fun for your kids
Dyslexia Awareness Parent Brochures in English and Spanish
Young children don’t hear the sounds within words. Thus, they hear “dog,” but not the “d”-“0”- “g.” To become readers, they have to learn to hear these sounds (or phonemes). Play language games with your child. For instance, say a word, perhaps her name, and then change it by one phoneme: Jen-Pen, Jen-Hen, Jen-Men. Or, just break a word apart: chair… ch-ch-ch-air. Follow this link to learn more about language development milestones in children.
You can’t sound out words or write them without knowing the letter sounds. Most kindergartens teach the letters, and parents can teach them, too. I just checked a toy store website and found 282 products based on letter names and another 88 on letter sounds, including ABC books, charts, cards, blocks, magnet letters, floor mats, puzzles, lampshades, bed sheets, and programs for tablets and computers. You don’t need all of that (a pencil and paper are sufficient), but there is lots of support out there for parents to help kids learn these skills. Keep the lessons brief and fun, no more than 5–10 minutes for young’uns. Understanding the different developmental stages of reading and writing skills will help to guide your lessons and expectations.
When your child starts bringing books home from school, have her read to you. If it doesn’t sound good (mistakes, choppy reading), have her read it again. Or read it to her, and then have her try to read it herself. Studies show that this kind of repeated oral reading makes students better readers, even when it is done at home.
Reading Rockets
Please note: House Bill 3928 was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) and impacts dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction. While the agency works to update the necessary materials, be aware that the law is effective immediately. The State Board of Education's proposed timeline for its required changes will be communicated as that timeline is determined and communicated to the agency.
The agency has created resources to assist with the implementation of HB 3928:
HB 3928 FAQs: Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction (Updated August 16, 2023) - Spanish coming soon
IDEA Rights Overview Form (August 2023) - Spanish coming soon
TAA HB 3928: Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction (August 2023)
Appendix A - Dyslexia Handbook FAQ (Updated August 2023)
Appendix A- Dyslexia Handbook FAQ (Spanish) (Updated August 2023)