Dyslexia

WHAT IS DYSLEXIA?

The International Dyslexia Association defines dyslexia as “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.”  

Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia as “a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity.” Additionally, related disorders “include disorders similar to our related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability”

To access the Dyslexia Handbook published by the Texas Education Agency click one of the following: Dyslexia Handbook and FAQ or Dylexia Handbook - Spanish.  

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.

For additional information about dyslexia, refer to the TEA Dyslexia and Related Disorders Information for Parents: 

English 

Spanish 

OVERVIEW OF THE HPISD DYSLEXIA PROGRAM

The Highland Park ISD Dyslexia Program follows all TEA guidelines for assessment, identification, and instruction as per TEA guidelines outlined in the TEA Dyslexia Handbook. 

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 Highland Park ISD Dyslexia Program equips students with dyslexia the skills needed to be successful in school. The district provides an evidenced-based, multisensory structured literacy instruction for students with dyslexia.

Highland Park ISD utilizes the Take Flight program developed by the Scottish Rite for Children Luke Waites Center for Dyslexia and Learning Disorders in Dallas, Texas and the Reading by Design program developed by the Region 4 Education Service Center in Houston, Texas depending on the student’s needs.