Information Regarding Dyslexia
With the passage of IC 20-35.5, et seq., as created by SEA 217 (2018) in April 2018, the Indiana school corporation’s reading plans must now include screening for dyslexia risk factors and indicators. If a student is determined to be at-risk for dyslexia, the school will administer an additional dyslexia screener, which will identify whether or not the student needs to be referred for further testing. It also requires schools to use specific responses to intervention processes if screeners indicate certain characteristics of dyslexia are present.
Dyslexia, as defined by IC 20-18-2-3.5, is a specific learning disability that
- is neurological in origin and characterized by: (A) difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition; and (B) poor spelling and decoding abilities;
- typically results 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;
- may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and
- may require the provision of special education services after an eligibility determination is made in accordance with 511 IAC 7-40.
*Please note that under this definition, dyslexia falls under the category of specific learning disability in the school corporation. Schools are not qualified to formally diagnose dyslexia. Formal diagnoses are obtained from a medical doctor.
In accordance with IC-20-35.5-6-2, Eastern Howard School Corporation is training a teacher to be our authorized Reading Specialist. Recent staffing changes caused us to have to train another teacher to serve as the Reading Specialist to assist in administering dyslexia screeners, providing necessary intervention to students, and monitoring progress. This training will be completed this summer. In the meantime, our teachers who are trained in SLANT (Structured Language Training) will perform the necessary interventions.
During the 2020-2021 school year, all K-2 students were required to complete initial screening for characteristics of dyslexia.
What kind of tests are given for the dyslexia screening?
Eastern Howard School Corporation uses the NWEA Dyslexia MAP Reading Fluency Assessment for the universal screener. There are six skill subtests given for this screener:
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness
- Alphabet Knowledge
- Sound/Symbol Relationship
- Decoding
- Rapid Naming
- Encoding
If a student demonstrates a need for further testing in order to determine specific skill deficits, parent permission will be required prior to administering what is known as a Level I screener. This next level of screening includes
- Phonological/Phonemic Awareness – NWEA Skills Checklist Phonological Awareness & NWEA Skills Checklist Phoneme Identification
- Alphabet Knowledge – NWEA Skills Checklist Letter Identification
- Sound/Symbol Relationship – NWEA Skills Checklist Matching Letters to Sounds
- Decoding – NWEA Skills Checklist Consonant Blends and Digraphs
- Rapid Naming – N/A Use results from the Universal Screener
- Encoding – N/A Use results from the Universal Screener
| School Year | # of Students Given the Universal Screener | # of Students Given the Level I Screener |
| 2020-2021 | 330 students | 30 students |
| # of Students Considered “At Some Risk” | # of Students Considered “At Risk” | # of Students Who Received Interventions |
| 20 students | 10 students | 10 students |
What intervention programs are used to assist students with characteristics of dyslexia?
Eastern Howard School Corporation is utilizing the Orton-Gillingham Reading Program to provide intervention to any student that is found to be “at some risk” or “at-risk” for characteristics of Dyslexia.
Other interventions used to help support students with characteristics of dyslexia, along with students with other learning needs, were SLANT (Structured Language Training), Fountas & Pinnell Leveled Literacy Intervention, and Reading A-Z.
This document may undergo revisions as the faculty and staff continue to learn more about and train our teaching and support staff in the appropriate assessment and supports for students with dyslexia. Required screeners, teacher training, and intervention programs will continue to maximize learning at Eastern Howard School Corporation.
Please contact Principal Randy Maurer at (765) 628-7866, ext. 405 or randy.maurer@eastern.k12.in.us with any questions you may have.
Click here to visit the IDOE website for more information on the new Indiana dyslexia law.