Dyslexia and Related Disorders
Purpose
Texas has a long history of supporting the fundamental skill of reading. This history includes a focus on early identification and intervention for students with dyslexia. This page includes resources to assist in identifying and providing services for students with dyslexia and related disorders in Texas schools. In addition to this page, information is available through the State Dyslexia Coordinator, ESC Dyslexia Network Coordinator, the dyslexia contacts at each of the 20 regional education service centers and the helpline. We welcome any suggestions you may have that will improve this page.
Please note: House Bill 3928 was passed by the 88th Texas Legislature (Regular Session) and impacts dyslexia evaluation, identification, and instruction. While the agency works to update the necessary materials, be aware that the law is effective immediately. The State Board of Education's proposed timeline for its required changes will be communicated as that timeline is determined and communicated to the agency.
The agency has created resources to assist with the implementation of HB 3928:- HB 3928 FAQs: Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction (August 2023) - Spanish coming soon
- IDEA Rights Overview Form - Coming soon
- TAA HB 3928: Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction (August 2023)
- Appendix A - Dyslexia Handbook FAQ (Updated August 2023)
- Appendix A- Dyslexia Handbook FAQ (Spanish) (Updated August 2023)
- Brief overview video of the bill
Dyslexia Handbook
The Texas Dyslexia Handbook is developed and adopted into administrative rule by the Texas State Board of Education (SBOE). The SBOE requires that each district and open-enrollment charter school implement the SBOE’s strategies for screening, individualized evaluation, and techniques for treating dyslexia and related disorders through its approved “Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders” [19 Texas Administrative Code 74.28]
On September 3rd, 2021, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval for updates to the Dyslexia Handbook. Some of the updates to the Dyslexia Handbook may require LEAs to make policy, procedure, and practice changes. LEAs were informed of these changes in a To The Administrator Addressed letter in September, 2021 so that they could be well positioned to be in compliance once the changes went into effect.
The updated Texas Dyslexia Handbook, linked below, is in effect as of February 10th, 2022.
2021 Handbook Resources:
- Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Updates Webinar-Oct. 14, 2021
- Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Updates PDF – Oct. 14, 2021
- Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Information for Families Webinar – Nov. 18, 2021
- Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Information for Families PDF – Nov. 18, 2021
- EL Manual De Dislexia Actualización 2021: Información para familias Webinar -Nov. 18, 2021
- EL Manual De Dislexia Actualización 2021: Información para familias PDF -Nov. 18, 2021
- The Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Update: Important Changes for Families to Understand – March 31, 2022
- Actualización del manual de dislexia 2021: CAMBIOS IMPORTANTES QUE LAS FAMILIAS DEBEN ENTENDER – March 31, 2022
Dyslexia Resources
- House Bill 3 Dyslexia Allotment Spending Guidance
- Dyslexia PEIMS Coding Overview
- Dyslexia and Related Disorders Reporting Study
To The Administrator Addressed Correspondence (TAA):
- TAA: Updates to Program Intent Codes for the Dyslexia Allotment - July 2, 2020
- TAA: Updates to Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders (Dyslexia Handbook) -September 23, 2021
- TAA: Senate Bill 89 and Dyslexia Handbook 2021 Training and Communication Requirements – March 31, 2022
- TAA: Dyslexia Screening Exception Reason in the Texas Student Data System (TSDS) – March 31, 2022
- TAA: HB 3928: Dyslexia Evaluation, Identification, and Instruction - August 3, 2023
Division of Special Education Programs
specialeducation@tea.texas.gov
(512) 463-9414
Michelle Reeves M.Ed., LDT, CALT
State Dyslexia Coordinator
Dawn.Reeves@tea.texas.gov
Curriculum Standards and Student Support Division
For questions or additional information, please submit a Curriculum Request Form through the TEA Help Desk.
(512) 463-9581
State Dyslexia Helpline (800) 232-3030
ESC Dyslexia Contacts (PDF, 89KB)