Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological 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. A secondary consequence may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Ìý20-A M.S.R. § 4701-B requires school administrative units to screen students in kindergarten through second grade who have difficulty in these areas: phonological and phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, rapid naming skills, and encoding skills.
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Assistive Technology
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• Ìý-ÌýStudents with a qualifying disability are provided free access to e-books, audiobooks, and a variety of other resources.Ìý This project is supported by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs
• Ìý-ÌýAssistive technology such as audiobooks are accessible online for children and adults with disabilities.Ìý The site also includes resources for parents and families.
• Ìý-ÌýA program is designed to help make assistive technology available to fb88 children.

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Understanding Dyslexia

• ÌýA one-page fact sheet created by Understood.org that briefly outlines what dyslexia is, what it is not and ways to assist students with characteristics of dyslexia.
• ÌýFrom the International Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Basics provides a thorough overview of the condition, the effects, diagnosis, treatment, and rights of individuals with dyslexia.
• ÌýFrequently asked questions about dyslexia are answered by the Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity.

Recognizing Characteristics of Dyslexia

• ÌýA list of indicators and characteristics of dyslexia provided by the Yale Center for Dyslexia and Creativity.
• ÌýOverview of the purpose and process of conducting universal screenings for characteristics of dyslexia.
• ÌýThe National Center on Improving Literacy document was created to provide an overview of screening for dyslexia
• ÌýAcademic screening tools chart, including literacy universal screeners, created by the National Center on Intensive Intervention.

Resources for Educators & Families

Resources for Educators

• Ìý- A letter from OSEP describing the implications of federal law on disabilities for state and local policy and practice, especially concerning the identification and treatment of dyslexia.
• Ìý-ÌýThe International Literacy Association's position statement advises that explicit and systematic phonics instruction is vitally important for all learners, especially those who struggle with reading and writing.
• Ìý-ÌýA dyslexia handbook for teachers created by the International Dyslexia Association.Ìý
• Ìý- Series of three webinars focusing on the instructional needs of students with dyslexia and learning difficulties hosted by the International Dyslexia Association.
• Ìý- Nine-course modules created by Reading Rockets provides in-depth information, classroom strategies, assignments, and additional resources on the building blocks of teaching reading and writing — including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and text comprehension.
• Ìý-ÌýÌýDecoding Dyslexia California has created a universal screener module and is developing additional dyslexia modules addressing assessments, RTI & MTSS, a teacher toolbox, and legislation.Ìý

Resources for Families

• Ìý- Ideas for parents of students in kindergarten through 3^rdÌýgrade based on literacy research.
• Ìý- A collection of information and resources for parents created by the Minnesota Department of Education Special Education Policy Division.
• Ìý- A dyslexia handbook for Families created by the International Dyslexia Association.Ìý The handbook addresses topics from a definition of dyslexia to helping your student transition after high school.
• Ìý- The Children’s Dyslexia Centers provide intensive reading instruction for children in grades 1 through 12 in their tutoring locations.

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