Legal Guide by Lindsey Carlton https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44 en-us 2022-07-19 20:01:09 UTC 2026-03-17 21:30:27 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/2696.png Slide #1 - Professional Perspective, Audience, and Topic lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246383992 My name is Lindsey Carlton and I am currently a graduate student at Angelo State University. I am pursuing my Master's degree in Professional School Counseling. I have been in the education field for three going on four years. I have taught first, fourth, and fifth grades providing me with a variety of reading and academic levels. The information in this padlet is to help support teachers, administrators, and other school counselors in supporting students with dyslexia. I chose to research and learn more about this topic because I had quite a few students with dyslexia last year, and I wanted to see the legal side of dyslexia in education.]]> 2022-07-19 20:03:55 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246383992 Slide #2 - Interview lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384188 I interviewed Melanie Adlof, school counselor at Johnson Elementary School in Prosper ISD. This is her third year as a school counselor.

Adlof discussed how as a school counselor, it is important to ensure a positive impact on students with dyslexia. She has seen students with dyslexia in her office because they have had a breakdown in the classroom. These students are being impacted socially and emotionally with frustration, embarrassment, and feeling of isolation because they are not good at reading (Adlof, personal communication). Educators need to boost students with dyslexia's self-esteem, advocate for their rights, and naturally empower them to grow their abilities.

Adlof discusses that as a teacher and a school counselor, she uses similar best practices to encourage a positive effect on students with dyslexia. The first best practice Adlof mentioned was building relationships with these students in order to create a positive environment. The second best practice was the use of visual representations for an additional support for students with dyslexia to make connections. The last best practice is using assistive technology for students with dyslexia to enjoy writing or reading (Adlof, personal communication).

As a school counselor, Adlof states that one of the big impacts students with dyslexia is the rise in anxiety (Adlof, personal communication). She has been seeing more students in special education and with dyslexia specifically that are having breakdowns in the classroom because of work anxiety. Adlof says that teachers and school counselors should teach their students coping strategies, so that there are less breakdowns occurring in the classroom (personal communication). Keeping anxiety and stress low in the classroom will promote a safe environment where students with dyslexia can engage in effective learning.]]> 2022-07-19 20:04:39 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384188 Slide #3 - Professional Association lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384255 Professional Association: International Dyslexia Association (IDA)
Webinar: Overcoming Dyslexia: What does It Take?
Link: https://dyslexiaida.org/webinars/

Summary: Since my topic is working with students who have dyslexia, it is beneficial to understand ways to support these students in schools. This webinar provided information on effective instruction, how to adjust instruction based on instructional level, and how teachers need to have opportunities to grow their understanding of supporting students with dyslexia. Dr. Mathes compares the differences between effective and ineffective dyslexia instruction to ensure understanding on best practices. ]]> 2022-07-19 20:04:51 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384255 Slide #4 - Current News Article #1 lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384319 Citation: Richman, T. (2021). Will Texas improve how it helps kids with dyslexia? Advocates' hope for action becomes 'study' on senate floor. The Dallas Morning News. https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2021/05/26/will-texas-update-how-it-identifies-kids-with-dyslexia/
Article Link: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2021/05/26/will-texas-update-how-it-identifies-kids-with-dyslexia/

Summary:
  • Texas state legislation is discussing a bill to revise the state dyslexia handbook for more improvement on identifying students with dyslexia.
  • Parents who are advocating for change in the identification of dyslexia, are upset that they do not have the option given to them to complete a full evaluation.
  • The bill was changed into a study that would be done to ensure school districts were providing these students with equal opportunities to be placed in the special education system.
]]> 2022-07-19 20:05:08 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384319 Slide #5 - Current News Article #2 lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384384 Citation: Swaby, A. (2020). Texas schools still failing special education students, federal review finds. The Texas Tribune. https://www.texastribune.org/2020/11/05/texas-schools-failing-special-education-students/
Article Link:
https://www.texastribune.org/2020/11/05/texas-schools-failing-special-education-students/

Summary:
  • In 2018 the federal government found that multiple Texas public schools were denying students with special education their rights.
  • The Texas Education Agency (TEA) was given 90 days to respond to this horrific issue.
  • They states that they would need to work with the school districts to effectively implement proper procedures to get students serviced as well as identified.
  • The TEA revised the handbook to provide an understanding of how to serve students with dyslexia.
  • Many are left confused on the guidelines given in the updated handbook. The TEA has since updated the guidelines again to dispute any misunderstandings.
  • COVID-19 left parents worried about their children with disabilities that were falling behind and facing extreme challenges in school.
]]> 2022-07-19 20:05:18 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384384 Slide #6 - Original Source of Law lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384607 Federal
Source of Law: Constitutional Law
Example: 14th Amendment
Citation: U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 2
Link to Example: https://www.concordlawschool.edu/blog/constitutional-law/14th-amendment-protects-rights-education/#:~:text=The%20law%20requires%20public%20schools,are%20caused%20by%20their%20disability.
  • The 14th amendment provides equal protection to laws for all United States citizens.
  • This amendment of the Constitution was a path leading to the equal rights to a free public education.
  • This allows for students with disabilities to receive a free public education.
State
Source of Law: Constitutional Law
Example: Texas Bill of Rights Section 3
Citation: T.X. Const. art. I § 3
Link to Example: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CN/htm/CN.1.htm
  • The Texas Constitution is similar to the United States Constitution. It lays out the rights of the people living in the state of Texas. 
  • Article I, Section 3 of the Texas Constitution discussed the equal rights of all public services. This is the same as the 14th Amendment, but specifically defines the law for Texas citizens.
  • Ensures that people with disabilities are equally allowed access to public services in the state of Texas.
]]> 2022-07-19 20:06:02 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384607 Slide #7 - Original Source of Law lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384672 Federal
Source of Law: Statutory Law
Example: Section 504
Citation: 29 U.S.C. § 794
Link to Example: https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/504faq.html
  • Section 504 deals with students with disabilities in federally funded programs or activities. 
  • This provides students with free public education with qualified disabilities no matter the severity of the disability.
  • Section 504 is not a full evaluation like an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that students in special education receive.
  • Consent is required for evaluation and placement by a parent or legal guardian for student to be provided assistance under Section 504 for a disability.
State
Source of Law: Statutory Law
Example: Texas Code Section 38.003
Citation: Tex. Ed. Code § 38.003
Link to Example: https://www.region10.org/programs/dyslexia-statewide/dyslexia-handbook/texas-education-code-38-003-state-law/
  • Students with dyslexia are entitled to free public education.
  • Dyslexia screenings are required to be completed in kindergarten and first grade.
  • Rules and standards given to school districts for assisting students with dyslexia in schools.
  • Defines what the term 'dyslexia' means and 'related disorders' to dyslexia.
]]> 2022-07-19 20:06:16 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384672 Slide #8 - Original Source of Law lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384726 Federal
Source of Law: Administrative Law
Example: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Citation: 20 U.S.C. § 1400, et. seq.
Link to Example: https://sites.ed.gov/idea/about-idea/#Rehab-Act
  • The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring special education services to students with disabilities in a free public education setting.
  • Establishes the services required to given to students with disabilities by school districts.
  • Provides school districts with interventions, tools, improvement plans, and assistive research and technology.
  • Ensures protection of the rights of these students with disabilities and parents.
State
Source of Law: Administrative Law
Example: Students with Disabilities Texas Administrative Code
Citation: Tex. Admin. Code § 74.28
Link to Example: https://www.region10.org/programs/dyslexia-statewide/dyslexia-handbook/texas-administrative-code-74-28-state-board-of-education-rule/
  • State Board of Education ruling
  • Students with dyslexia must be given access to the programs they qualify for within the school district.
  • The district must provide research-based instructional services from a purchased dyslexia curriculum for all students who qualify for dyslexia.
  • School districts must follow the guidelines of the Dyslexia Handbook for assessments and screenings.
  • Parents hold the right to a full evaluation for additional testing other than the dyslexia screenings. There MUST be parent consent to do any testing or diagnosis of a student.
]]> 2022-07-19 20:06:28 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384726 Slide #9 - Judicial Law lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384757 Source of Law: Judicial Law
Example: Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District
Citation: Endrew F. ex rel. Joseph F. v. Douglas Cty. Sch.
Dist. Re-1, 798 F.3d 1329 (2015).
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: 20 U.S.C. § 1400, et. seq.
Link to Example:
http://www.bazelon.org/endrew-f-v-douglas-county-school-district/
  • The parents of Endrew F. petitioned the Supreme Court for reimbursement from the Douglas Country School District in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 
  • The public school went against the laws in place for the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and did not offer Endrew F. the opportunities of free public education and services. 
  • His parents took him to a private school that was more than willing to follow the laws and expectations of providing a student with disabilities the proper services.
  • The ruling was in Endrew's favor that the Douglas County School District denied the proper rights and services given under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
State
Source of Law: Judicial Law
Example: J.B. v. Frisco ISD
Citation: J.B. v. Frisco Ind. Sch. Dist. 4:19-cv-00814 (2019).
Section 504: 29 U.S.C. § 794
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act: 20 U.S.C. § 1400, et. seq.
Link to Example: https://www.courtlistener.com/docket/16449285/1/jb-v-frisco-independent-school-district/
  • J.B. was a kindergarten student when they realized he had behavior issues. He was given a Section 504 plan with accommodations. 
  • He received a full evaluation outside of school that they brought to the schools attention and requested an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
  • The evaluations took years and specific assessments were not completed that the parents requested be done.
  • The parents filed for two counts against the school district not following the laws under Section 504 and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

]]> 2022-07-19 20:06:33 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384757 Slide #10 - Local Administrative Law, Policy, or Rule lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384867 Local Policy: Region 10 Dyslexia Handbook
Link: https://www.region10.org/r10website/assets/File/DHBwithouttabs10214.pdf

This handbook lays out the guidelines for supporting students with dyslexia in Texas public schools. It provides information on instruction, assessment, and identification for students with dyslexia.]]> 2022-07-19 20:06:59 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384867 Slide #11 - Ethical Principle lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384948 Standard: A.10.i. Recognize the strengths of students with disabilities as well as their challenges and provide best practices in supporting their academic, career and social/emotional needs.
Citation: American School Counselor Association. (2022). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. ASCA. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/44f30280-ffe8-4b41-9ad8-f15909c3d164/EthicalStandards.pdf
Connection: This section in the ASCA Code of Ethics explains the need for school counselors to support students with disabilities in all aspects of their life. It is our responsibility and duty to guide them through the challenges to grow them in these areas of need.]]> 2022-07-19 20:07:13 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246384948 Slide #12 - Personal Connection to Legal and Ethical Standards lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246385081 Throughout this course, I have learned so much about the educational laws that will support my future career in school counseling. These laws for dyslexia and the ethical standards for school counseling provide me with expectations on how I can properly support students. It allows me to plan for ways to ensure students receive the services they need.

These laws and ethical standards guide me in knowing what I need to do for my students in order to advocate as well as create an environment of effective learning. As a teacher with many students with dyslexia in 4th and 5th grade, I always ensured a positive outlook on their disability. I understood the needs of my students and what was expected of me to support them in any way they needed.]]> 2022-07-19 20:07:36 UTC https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246385081 Slide #13 - Recommendations and Best Practices for Compliance lcarlton11 https://padlet.com/lcarlton11/h3yfx0fb250tze44/wish/2246385200 Best Practices:
  • AWLAYS follow their IEP or 504 accommodation plans.
  • Use coping strategies and techniques to reduce pressure they feel.
  • Provide visual resources for them to use along with their reading or writing strategies (anchor charts).
  • Promote a safe learning environment that encourages differences and willingness to support one another.
  • Enable assistive technology such as speech to text for writing assignments and text to speech for reading assignments.
  • Know the state Dyslexia Handbook as well as your districts policies on dyslexia education.
  • Create a home and school connection to maintain support at both ends of the student's life.
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