The International Dyslexia Association defines “dyslexia” in the following way:

"Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual's peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges."

October 2025

The Dyslexia Handbook Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) New as of August 9, 2024

Evaluation and Identification of Dyslexia

The Dyslexia Handbook - 2024 Update streamlines the process for identification of dyslexia and clarifies that anytime the district suspects that the student has dyslexia or a related disorder, the district must seek parental consent for a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) under the IDEA.

Child Find is a provision in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that requires the state to have policies and procedures in place to ensure that every student in the state who needs special education and related services is located, identified, and evaluated. The purpose of the IDEA is to ensure that students with disabilities are offered a free and appropriate public education (20 U.S.C. §1400(d); 34 C.F.R. §300.1). Because a student suspected of having dyslexia may be a student with a disability under the IDEA, the Child Find mandate includes these students. Therefore, when referring and evaluating students suspected of having dyslexia, LEAs must follow procedures for conducting a full individual and initial evaluation (FIIE) under the IDEA. (see flowchart below - The Dyslexia Handbook, 2024 Update)

Informational Websites

Visit these websites for information regarding students with disabilities:

• House Bill 3928 – FAQs

• IDEA Rights Overview Form (English)

• Formulario de descripción general de derechos de IDEA (español)

• TEA Back to School Update

• Legal Framework for the Child-Centered Education Process

• Partners Resource Network

• Special Education Information Center

• Texas Project First

• Child Find, Evaluation, and ARD Supports Network

• TEA Parent’s Guide to the ARD Process – English & Spanish

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards – English & Spanish

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards – Audio – English

• Aviso de Garantías Procesales – Audio – Español

• International Dyslexia Association

• TEA Learn Dyslexia Course

• TEA SPED Tex Parent Resources

• SPED Tex Helpline 1-855-773-3839

• TEA Dyslexia Fact Sheet – English & Spanish

• TEA IDEA Fact Sheet – English & Spanish

• Scottish Rite for Children – Dyslexia Defined

• State Dyslexia Helpline – 1-800-232-3030

Providers of Dyslexia Instruction (PDIs) by District