DYSLEXIA Northwest ISD Characteristics Testing Diagnosing Effective Strategies Accommodations

Definition Texas law defines dyslexia as: A disorder manifested by difficulty in learning to read despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and socio-cultural opportunity.

Dyslexia Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities. It is a specific language-based disorder of constitutional origin characterized by difficulties in single word decoding, usually reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities. These difficulties in single word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive and academic abilities; they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment. Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language, often including, in addition to problems reading, a conspicuous problem with acquiring proficiency in writing and spelling. G. Reid Lyon “Toward a Definition of Dyslexia” Annals of Dyslexia, Volume XLV, 1995

“Dyslexia is one of several distinct learning disabilities” Not synonymous with the broad term of learning disabilities One specific type of learning disability

“a specific language-based disorder…normally reflecting insufficient phonological processing abilities.” A language-based disorder Weak phonological processing impedes acquisition of reading skills

Phonological processing abilities include: Phonological awareness Phonological memory Rapid naming

Phonological awareness is: A sensitivity to or an explicit understanding of the sound structure of spoken words The ability to notice, think about, and manipulate the individual sounds

Phonologic Awareness Skills Rhyme and alliteration Blending Segmentation manipulation

Phonologic memory is: The storage in short term memory of sound sequences within words An influence on the ability to read and spell long words

Rapid Naming is: Efficient retrieval from long term memory of phonological information; such as, –Individual sounds in words –Pronunciations of common word parts –Pronunciations of whole words An influence on reading fluency and rate

Facts About Phonological Processing Phonological processing skills are a better predictor of good reading than intelligence. Variation in phonological processing skills exists independent of intelligence. Deficiencies in phonological processing skills are related to linguistic experiences and genetic endowment.

Facts About Phonological Processing 40% of kindergartners begin school without adequate phonological processing skills. Growth of phonological processing depends on: –Type of reading instruction –Response to reading instruction

“Dyslexia is… of constitutional origin.” Predisposition for dyslexia Often inherited Persists across the life-span

“…characterized by difficulties in single word decoding.” Accurate, rapid word recognition  fluency Accuracy & fluency  comprehension

“These difficulties in single word decoding are often unexpected in relation to age and other cognitive abilities.” Unexplained difficulties Not predicted by –Age –Cognitive ability –Other academic strengths

“…they are not the result of generalized developmental disability or sensory impairment.” Not a lack of intelligence or ability to learn Not a visual or hearing deficit

“Dyslexia is manifested by variable difficulty with different forms of language.” Phonological deficits influence acquisition of other language skills Varying degrees of difficulty with other language skills; such as –Reading –Writing –Spelling The information on the definition of dyslexia is taken from Reid Lyon’s article, “Toward a Definition of Dyslexia,: Annals of Dyslexia, 1995.

In summary, dyslexia is… Difficulty in processing and producing print language Deficits in phonological awareness and rapid naming Poor application of phonics for decoding and encoding Struggle in using basic skills in a fluent and accurate manner

Common Signs of Dyslexia K-4 Learns the alphabet later Learns letter-sound relationships only with explicit instruction Confuses basic sight words

Common Signs of Dyslexia K-4 Makes frequent reading and spelling errors Has poor or slow handwriting & difficulty copying Struggles with reading reducing reading comprehension

What about reversals? Reversals are more frequent and persistent. Reversals are not the cause of dyslexia

Common Signs of Dyslexia Grades Continues to transpose letter sequences frequently Still reads below grade level Requires specific instruction to learn decoding/spelling strategies Avoids reading aloud Avoids writing compositions Comprehends below listening comprehension level

Common Signs of Dyslexia High School and Adult Avoids reading books independently Continues to spell incorrectly Avoids writing whenever possible Finds unique ways to cope with reading and writing tasks. Common signs adapted from: Bridges to Reading, Parents’ Education resource Center

Overcoming Dyslexia by Sally Shaywitz, M. D.

Identification of Dyslexia

Characteristics Measure the primary reading and spelling characteristics of dyslexia including: Single word decoding Word recognition Oral reading accuracy and rate (fluency) Spelling

Outcomes Measure the outcomes of the reading and spelling problems by: Measuring Reading Comprehension and Written Expression. Recognize that the degree of difficulty will be variable for individual students.

Underlying Cause Measure the underlying cause of dyslexia: Phonological Processing Skills

Cognitive Academic Ability Measure or document other cognitive and/or academic abilities (intelligence, problem solving, reasoning, listening comprehension, and/or mathematics. Look for characteristics of dyslexia to be unexpectedly low for the student’s age and in contrast to intelligence and other cognitive and academic abilities.

Co-Existing Complications or Assets Measure or observe development in areas that may complicate dyslexia or represent an asset for the student. Common co-existing deficits are: other language-based delays & attention problems Common co-existing assets are: good reasoning & mathematics skills

School-based Identification of Dyslexia Parent/Teacher Conference Campus Student Management Team Referral Data Gathering & Parent Permission Standardized Testing Test Interpretation Campus committee determination

Data Gathering Grades Achievement test scores Special programs Vision/hearing/medical Attendance Family History Teacher Information

Standardized Testing Phonological Processing Decoding Word Recognition Oral Reading Fluency Spelling Reading Comprehension Cognitive/Academic Ability

Profile of Dyslexia

Dyslexia Instruction Explicit, direct instruction that is systematic, sequential, multisensory, and cumulative Individualized Intensive Meaning-based – directed toward purposeful reading and writing

NISD Dyslexia Programs Reading Mastery Dyslexia Training Program Dyslexia Research Curriculum

Classroom Accommodations Extended Time Reduced Assignments Oral Tests Avoid counting off for spelling errors Use a tape recorder Dictate Responses Textbooks on Tape Organizers

More Classroom Accommodations Check Often for Understanding Use of a Computer Study Guides Peer or Parent Read Material Aloud Hard Copy of Notes Outlines Alternate Assignments Assigning Work in Smaller Units Provide Lots of Encouragement

State Assessment Accommodations Bundled Accommodations for TAKS Reading –Orally reading all proper nouns associated with each passage before students begin individual reading –Orally reading all questions and answer choices to students –Extending the testing time over a two-day period

State Assessment Accommodations Oral Administration for Mathematics, Science, and/or Social Studies Identified as having a disability that affects the examinee’s reading and who regularly receives this accommodation in the classroom. ARD Committee or Section 504 Committee decision.

Other Frequently-Used Allowable Accommodations on State Assessments Colored Transparency/Magnifying Device/Place Marker Small Group/Individual Administration Typed Written Composition (must be transcribed by test administrator exactly as written.) Spell- check not allowed. All accommodations must be routinely used in classroom instruction and testing.