Goal

The goal of our dyslexia program is to identify and provide support and services to students exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia to such an extent that additional intervention is needed beyond conventional or intensified instruction within the regular classroom.

Purpose

The Dyslexia Program in Blanco ISD is established to meet the needs of students who qualify for the program. 

Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single-word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing. These difficulties in single-word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems with reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling (International Dyslexia Association Research Committee in collaboration with the National Center for Learning Disabilities and the National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, April 1994).

The difficulties of a student identified as having dyslexia occur in phonemic awareness and manipulation, single-word decoding, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and/or written composition. These difficulties are unexpected for the student’s age, educational level, or cognitive abilities. Additionally, there is often a family history of similar difficulties. The TEA Dyslexia Handbook explains further the laws and procedures for identifying students with dyslexia and related disorders.

Student Assessment and Identification
Referrals for dyslexia screening originate on the home campus through the Campus GIST Committee or ARD committee.  Parental notification and permission is obtained through the 504 referral process if the student is in regular education.  Screening is done by the district dyslexia contact, Shawn Kipp, and admission into the Dyslexia program is decided by the District 504/ Dyslexia Committee.

Eligibility
Eligibility requirements include ruling out medical issues, poor attendance, and behavioral concerns; establishing difficulty in language arts with strengths in other content areas; average to above average intelligence; and characteristics of dyslexia.  A committee of campus counselors, campus dyslexia teachers, and the student’s reading teacher(s) make the determination after considering all data.  Parent information is valuable in making the final decision.

Dyslexia Programs and Services
The District 504/Dyslexia Committee designs an educational plan for each identified student.  Students may be placed in a dyslexia reading program that meets the state descriptors.  Wilson Reading has been adopted as the district dyslexia program, but a student's plan may include other programs that meet the state's descriptors and are available on the student's home campus.  Accommodations are also outlined for other subject areas.  The student's progress is monitored after each grading period and adjustments are considered if necessary. 

Available Resources

The District 504/Dyslexia Committee has gathered a list of available resources for students with dyslexia.  Please see the district dyslexia coordinator for a list of these resources.