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Dyslexia

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

 

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 the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. Adopted by the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors, November 12, 2002. 
 
Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia in the following way:  “Dyslexia means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity.”
 
The following link will take you to a video that provides a deeper understanding of dyslexia and its lifelong effects. Click here to watch the video.
 
OVERVIEW OF THE HPISD DYSLEXIA PROGRAM
 

The HPISD Dyslexia Program follows all TEA guidelines for assessment, identification, and instruction as per TEA guidelines outlined in the TEA Dyslexia Handbook. The TEA Dyslexia Handbook has been updated, and the updates became effective on February 10, 2022.

 

To access the Dyslexia Handbook published by the Texas Education Agency click one of the following: English or Spanish.

 

In addition, House Bill 3928 was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) and impacts dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction. 

To access the updated Appendix A – Dyslexia Handbook FAQs, in English click here 

In Spanish click here.

 

To access Important Changes for Families to Understand click one of the following: English and Spanish. 

 

Highland Park Independent School district supports the educational concept that reading, writing, and spelling skills provide the foundation for overall academic success.  Although dyslexia is a life-long condition, the HPISD Dyslexia Program equips students with dyslexia the skills needed to be successful in school.  HPISD utilizes the Take Flight program.  Take Flight is a comprehensive intervention program for students with dyslexia developed by the Scottish Rite for Children Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders in Dallas, Texas.

DYSLEXIA INSTRUCTION
 
   

Instruction in the Take Flight program is administered by a Certified Academic Language Therapist - CALT (or in process of getting certified) at each HPISD campus.  A CALT is a trained dyslexia specialist with a Master’s Degree who has completed an intensive and rigorous training program that included hundreds of hours teaching students with dyslexia. 

These dyslexia specialists stay current in the area of dyslexia by attending local, state, and/or national conferences and workshops each year. 

 
Armstrong Elementary  
Boone Elementary 
Bradfield Elementary 
Hyer Elementary 

Kelly Bentley

Ashley McCutchin
University Park Elementary 
McCulloch Intermediate School 
Highland Park Middle School   
Highland Park High School   
HPISD Dyslexia Coordinator Auralie Ruggiere

 

With the enactment of TEC 38.003, Highland Park ISD began screening all kindergarten and first-grade students for dyslexia.  Results of the screener are reviewed, and a determination for additional instruction is made at the campus level. Results are reported to parents, campus administrators, and campus dyslexia specialists for review. Appropriate campus intervention is planned as needed. 

 

With a recommendation from the SST, ARD, or 504 committees, students at Highland Park Middle School and Highland Park High School who are identified as dyslexic may receive instruction utilizing the Take Flight program from the campus dyslexia/reading specialist. These classes take the place of one elective during their school day.  High school students will receive one local elective credit for this class.

While students are actively enrolled in the Take Flight program, their reading progress is monitored by the dyslexia specialist. 

 

Students who have completed the Take Flight program or received dyslexia intervention from another school district or from a private provider will also be progress monitored.  Monitoring results are reported to campus administration, as well as to the SST Committee, 504 Committee, or the ARD Committee.

 

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) provides many helpful resources for parents. Some of the most often used and helpful Fact Sheets are linked below, but there are many others on the IDA website www.dyslexiaida.org.

Additional resources:

The TEA Dyslexia Handbook has been updated, and the updates became effective on February 10, 2022. Click here to access the updated Dyslexia Handbook published by the Texas Education Agency.