Source: http://www.jpwlearningcenter.com/frequently-asked-questions/
Timestamp: 2019-04-26 11:44:44+00:00

Document:
Since dyslexia is a neurological, language-based disability that persists over time and interferes with an individual’s learning, it is critical that identification and intervention occur as early as possible.
When should a student who is experiencing reading difficulties be considered for placement in an instructional program for dyslexia and related disorders?
If a student is not progressing in the general, remedial, and/or compensatory reading programs in school and other causes have been eliminated, the student should be recommended for assessment.
Can students in kindergarten and first grade be assessed for dyslexia?
Yes. The identification of dyslexia in young students in kindergarten and first grade will often occur through the observation of parents/guardians and educators that, despite engaged participation in comprehensive reading instruction, a child with good thinking and language ability shows limited reading progress.
Does the student have to be in a certain grade level before dyslexia assessment can occur?
No. There is not a grade-level requirement for assessment to occur. When a student is considered for an assessment depends on multiple factors including the student’s reading performance; reading difficulties; poor response to supplemental, scientifically based reading instruction; teacher’s input; and input from the parents/guardians.
May a parent/guardian recommend that a student be assessed for dyslexia?
Yes. A parent or guardian may request to have his or her child assessed for dyslexia and related disorders by staff at the school district or open-enrollment charter school. If the school district refuses to do the testing, the school district must provide data to support their reasons for not assessing the student.
Can the parent/guardian bring an assessment from a private evaluator or source?
Yes. A parent or guardian may choose to have his or her child assessed by a private diagnostician or other source. However, to be valid, this assessment must comply with the requirements set forth in §504 and the guidelines in the Dyslexia Handbook Chapter II on Procedures for the Assessment and Identification of Students with Dyslexia. The §504 regulations provide that the group of knowledgeable people have a duty to “document and carefully consider” all sources of evaluation data (34 C.F.R. §104.35(c)(2)). While an outside assessment may be brought to the §504 committee and must be reviewed, it is part of the evaluation data but does not, independently, create eligibility. Instead, the §504 committee determines eligibility based on a review “of data from a variety of sources” (34 C.F.R. §104.35(c)(1).
Must a student fail a class or subject before being recommended for assessment for dyslexia?
No. A student is not required to fail a class or subject or fail the state-required assessment to be considered for a dyslexia assessment. According to TEC §38.003, students should be assessed for dyslexia at appropriate times.
Can a student be considered for assessment of dyslexia even if he or she has passed a test required by the statewide assessment program?
Yes. Results from a state test required by the statewide assessment program are only one source of data to be gathered and considered for possible recommendation for dyslexia assessment. Other information must also be considered, such as teacher information, report card grades, parent information, history of reading difficulties, informal observations of the student’s abilities, response to scientifically based reading instruction, etc.
When a student does not attend the local school district, what procedures are followed for identification of dyslexia?
State statute related to dyslexia, TEC §38.003, indicates that the law pertains to students enrolled in public schools. However, when formal assessment is recommended, the school district or open enrollment charter school completes the evaluation process as outlined in §504 (unless under IDEA 2004). Under §504, upon receiving notice of a parent’s belief that a child has a disability, the school should follow §504 procedures. The school has no duty to provide services unless the student is enrolled in public school.

References: §504
 §504
 §104
 §504
 §504
 §104
 §38
 §38
 §504
 §504
 §504