AISD dyslexia policies being updated

By Melinda L. Lucas

Albany ISD school staff and students are acknowledging Dyslexia Awareness Month by wearing red each Tuesday in October.

In addition, facts about dyslexia are being shared during Tuesday morning announcements.

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month, with participants focusing on bringing more attention and support to people with one of the most prevalent language-based learning disabilities.

Local members of the Masonic Lodge #482 and Albany Independent School District personnel have worked together for over a decade to support and help local students who struggle with speech and language disabilities through Texas Scottish Rite Children’s Take Flight program. 

 According to AISD Dyslexia coordinator Kristie Smith, dyslexia students in Albany receive comprehensive intervention using a program known as Take Flight, utilizing multi-sensory techniques for basic instruction in reading, writing, and spelling.

In September, Smith said, the State Board of Education gave final approval for updates to the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, requiring school districts to make policy, procedure, and practice changes. 

Although the updates are not yet in effect, Smith said that Albany ISD has begun the process so the district will be in compliance once the changes go into effect. 

“The major change for Albany ISD will be the path for evaluation for dyslexia,” she said. “Previously, an evaluation for dyslexia could be completed by the district dyslexia coordinator or through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).” 

She explained that the new policy for an evaluation has been moved to a single pathway for identification under the IDEA. This change means that anytime the district suspects that the student has dyslexia or a related disorder and may need dyslexia intervention services, the district must seek parental consent for a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) under the IDEA. 

“Using a single pathway for identification of dyslexia and related disorders ensures that districts fulfill their child-find obligations under the IDEA,” said Smith. 

Tri-County Co-op, the agency that AISD contracts with for similar services, plans to absorb additional evaluations and hopes to communicate effectively with Smith to ensure strong collaboration between the district and the agency.

Meanwhile, Albany ISD, as required by TEA, continues to screen kindergarten, first graders, and seventh graders for dyslexia.

The district currently has 26 students identified with dyslexia or related disorders.

Smith, who in May completed extensive training with The Scottish Rite Learning Center of West Texas, provides services each day on both campuses to 14 local students identified with dyslexia.

Her training included 200 instructional hours, 754 practicum hours, and 10 demonstration lessons. Since passing a state exam in June, Smith is now a Licensed Dyslexia Therapist.

Parents can find the AISD dyslexia handbook website www.albanyisd.net.

Recent studies reveal that the whole spectrum of reading disabilities is strongly determined by genetic predispositions.

For some individuals who remain undiagnosed, dyslexia is a hidden disability that can result in underemployment, difficulty navigating academic environments, difficulty on the job, and reduced self-confidence.