• Definition of Dyslexia

    (As defined in Texas Education Code §38.003)

    (1) “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.
    (2) “Related disorders” includes disorders similar to or related to dyslexia such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability.

    Students identified as having dyslexia typically experience primary difficulties in phonological awareness and manipulation, single-word reading, reading fluency, and spelling. Consequences may include difficulties in phonological awareness are unexpected for the student’s age and educational level, and are not primarily the result of language difference factors. Additionally, there is often a family history of similar difficulties. 

    Dyslexia is a specific learning disability (SLD)
    Students who meet the dyslexia eligibility for an evidence-based dyslexia program indicated by the Full and Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) will now be served under the special education program once parent/guardian provides consent to the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) committee. The campus dyslexia specialist will continue to serve our students under the special education program, if deemed appropriate by the ARD Committee.  As a parent, you may deny special education services, but your child will not be afforded the opportunity to receive an evidence-based dyslexia program.

    Evidence-based dyslexia program under 504
    All current students receiving the evidence-based dyslexia program under 504 will be reviewed at their 504 Reevaluation meeting or sooner. During this meeting, continued need for an evidence-based dyslexia program and a referral for an FIIE will be discussed.  If the consent to an FIIE is refused, your child will no longer be eligible to receive an evidence-based dyslexia program.  Texas Education Agency expects all 504 meetings to be held prior to the end of the 2024-2025 school year.

    HB 3928 Information 

    District Dyslexia Plan
    Willis ISD Dyslexia Plan

    Dyslexia Handbook  (Outside Source)
    The State's Dyslexia Handbook was recently updated.  The changes can be reviewed with the following links (English) (Spanish). 

    The full handbook can be viewed by using the links below:
    Dyslexia Handbook Revised 2021 (English)
    Dyslexia Handbook Revised 2021 (Spanish)

    Related Links:
    International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
    Learning Ally (Formerly RFB&D)
    Texas Education Agency (TEA)
    Talking Book Program (TBP) - The Talking Book Program offers students with reading disabilities a variety of reading materials.  Qualified students can apply to the free program.  For more info visit www.texastalkingbooks.org or 1-800-252-9605. 

    Parent Resources:
    Parent Trainings offered through Reg 20 - English     Spanish
    Read and Spell Blog