Legal & Ethical Guide: Educating Students With Dsylexia by Leah McClelland https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8 TLCA San Angelo Comprehensive Counseling Program en-us 2021-07-16 15:40:59 UTC 2025-04-14 13:44:00 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f985.png ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652880723 2021-07-16 17:38:05 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652880723 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652880876 2021-07-16 17:38:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652880876 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652881021 2021-07-16 17:38:31 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652881021 Mrs. Erica Lopez M.Ed., LDT, CALT ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652885215 TLCA Educational Diagnostician

Mrs. Lopez has been with TLCA  for several years, as a teacher, ESL/Dyslexia Teacher, and currently Educational Diagnostician.
According to Lopez (2021), changes are rapidly happening with educational mandates in regards to dyslexia, therefore it is essential to stay up to date on latest research and any law changes. Educators and school administrators have to be on top of any potential requirements and compliance issues when working in special education. (E. Lopez, personal communication, July 7, 2021). 
Mrs. Lopez has utilized her professional knowledge and expertise to assist the TLCA district administration in creating current rules and polices. In addition, she established the dyslexia screening rules that are now utilized by all principals throughout the TLCA district (E. Lopez, personal communication, July 7, 2021). 
Lopez (2021) also stated that sometimes a court case can create change that directly impacts her work. Other times, the impact is indirect, therefore she tries to learn from cases where schools are not meeting guidelines and get into trouble (E. Lopez, personal communication, July 7, 2021). The most recent legal issue regarding dyslexia noted by Lopez, would be Texas House Bill 3880. The goal of the bill was to take the 504 dyslexia only evaluation away and have all evaluations conducted through special education. The bill failed, however, TEA is now looking to re-write the dyslexia handbook to make those changes anyway (E. Lopez, personal communication, July 7, 2021).  
Are there certain student or employee rights that relate to Dyslexia? Yes, Lopez responds (2021), there are student rights related to dyslexia. For example, a student has a right to an evaluation for dyslexia whether or not they’ve had intervention cannot be used to delay a student’s testing. When teachers feel like a child needs more intervention or hasn’t had enough to warrant testing, Lopez makes a resolution by looking at all current data and helping to guide the decision based on data. If the student is struggling, then testing should not be delayed unless there is a valid reason; maybe an attendance issue (E. Lopez, personal communication, July 7, 2021). 
To stay current with mandates and requirements of testing, services, and challenges of dyslexia, Mrs. Lopez attends routine professional development and trainings. Lopez exclaims, she is a part of a network through the local ESC. Which, frequently send out emails that help all educators stay up to date. As a CALT and a member of ALTA, Lopez receives notices when important changes or discussions are happening like with HB3880. 



]]> 2021-07-16 17:44:21 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652885215 Houston IDA ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652913121  The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Houston Branch is a wonderful resource for Texas parents, educators, and adults with dyslexia. As a IDA member, educators have access to newsletters, resources, trainings, and a national resource directory. Houston IDA helps individuals who work with or live with someone who has the life-long condition of dyslexia.
https://www.houstonida.org/ ]]> 2021-07-16 18:30:11 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652913121 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652918957 2021-07-16 18:41:14 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652918957 Texas House Bill 3880 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652927980 Even though TX HB 3880 died in chamber, it still remains a hot topic concerning Texas dyslexia students. In summary the bill related to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders (Texas HB3880: 2021-2022: 87th Legislature). The goal of the bill was to take the 504 dyslexia only evaluation away and have all evaluations conducted through special education. The bill failed. However, TEA is now looking to re-write the dyslexia handbook to make those changes anyway. This change would greatly impact the work of the educational diagnostician, as they would be testing a lot more students when other evaluators were able to carry some of the testing load.
References: 
  • Texas HB3880: 2021-2022: 87th Legislature. LegiScan. (n.d.). https://legiscan.com/TX/bill/HB3880/2021. 
]]> 2021-07-16 18:57:30 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1652927980 Educational Diagnostician & School Counselor Collaboration ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653465224 Within the TLCA school district, the roles and responsibilities of the school counselor and school diagnostician are collaborative when testing and serving students with dyslexia. As the school counselor fulfills the role of 504 coordinator at TLCA, they communicates on behalf of, facilitate programs requirements, and advocate for such students. Therefore, it is essential that the school counselor stay informed and knowledgeable of state and federal education guidelines pertaining to students with dyslexia. The school counselor must provide parents with information concerning rights, consent, and policies. In addition, he or she acts a liaison for the 504 committee and advocates for individual student success. 
Further, the school counselor can help students with dyslexia:
  • Maintain academic standards and set goals for academic success.
  • Develop positive self image and recognize individual success
  • Develop skills to improve organization, study habits, and time management.
  • Work through personal problems that may affect academics or relationships.
  • Improve social skills.
  • Identify interests, strengths, and aptitudes through assessment.
]]> 2021-07-17 20:23:51 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653465224 Ways to Remotely Help Students with Dyslexia ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653470706 The Covid 19 Pandemic produced a profound number of challenges in the current world of education, especially when educating diverse learners.  According to Mitchell (2021), "under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, the nation’s special education law, dyslexia is listed as an example of a disability under the broader term “specific learning disabilities.” Whether a student has been diagnosed with dyslexia or is showing characteristics of dyslexia, there is number of supports needed.
Now, almost a year later, some students still remain physically separated from the teachers that help them overcome the challenges presented by dyslexia (Mitchell, 2021). However, experts do say there are a number of ways to help students with dyslexia. If possible avoid asychronous learning. When dyslexic students participate in virtual learning, educators should find new ways to support students who struggle, and rethink how and what they  teach (Mitchell, 2021). In addition, teachers should take advantage of remote options and embrace assistive technology (Mitchell, 2021).

References:
  • Mitchell, C. (2021, March 3). 5 Ways to Remotely Support Students With Dyslexia. Education Week. https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/5-ways-to-remotely-support-students-with-dyslexia/2021/02. 

]]> 2021-07-17 20:47:06 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653470706 Purpose & Padlet Information: ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653483930 The purpose of the following slides is to provide teachers, parents, and/or school administrators with legal and ethical resources and knowledge to increase collaboration and effective interventions regarding the success of dyslexic learners. 
Within each slide the following information and resources may be found:
  • Collaboration & Practical Expertise 
  • Professional Associations
  • Current News
  • Sources of Law
  • TLCA Policy
  • Ethical Principles
  •  Personal Connections
  • Best Practices for Compliance
]]> 2021-07-17 21:48:32 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653483930 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653486440 2021-07-17 21:59:33 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653486440 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653486735 2021-07-17 22:01:02 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653486735 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653487135 2021-07-17 22:02:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653487135 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653488610 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), is an education law which requires public schools to meet the unique needs of eligible K–12 students with disabilities by providing services (Lee, 2021). Under IDEA, dyslexia is a condition that could qualify a student as having a specific learning disability (SLD), or a disability in understanding or using written or spoken language. Furthermore, the dyslexia or SLD may hinder the ability to listen, think, read, write, and/or spell.
References:
  • Lee, A. M. I. (2021, April 19). IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA: Which laws do what. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/at-a-glance-which-laws-do-what. 
]]> 2021-07-17 22:08:46 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653488610 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492039 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), is a civil rights law which prohibits disability discrimination by schools, employers, and anyone who offers goods and services to the public (Lee, 2021). Dyslexia can substantially impact a student's ability to read and learn, therefore under the ADA schools are required to make reasonable accommodations for students who qualify.
References:
  • Lee, A. M. I. (2021, April 19). IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA: Which laws do what. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/at-a-glance-which-laws-do-what. 
]]> 2021-07-17 22:25:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492039 Texas Education Code §38.003 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492074 Texas Education Code (TEC) §38.003 defines dyslexia and related disorders as a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence, and sociocultural opportunity (TEC §38.003). “Related disorders” include disorders similar to or related to dyslexia, such as developmental auditory imperception, dysphasia, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental dysgraphia, and developmental spelling disability, (TEC §38.003(d)(1)-(2)).
The Dyslexia Handbook provided by The Texas Education Agency (TEA) (2018) states, "TEC §38.003 defines dyslexia and related disorders, mandates screening and testing students for dyslexia and the provision of instruction for students with dyslexia. In addition, TEC §38.003 gives the State Board of Education (SBOE) authority to adopt rules and standards for screening, testing, and serving students with dyslexia," (p. x).
References:
  • Texas Education Agency. (2018). The Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2018-Dyslexia-Handbook_Approved_Accomodated_12_11_2018.pdf
  • Texas Education Code §38.003
]]> 2021-07-17 22:25:48 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492074 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492618 Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504), is a civil rights law which prohibits disability discrimination at schools that get federal funding. Schools meet these requirements by removing barriers to learning and creating a "level" learning environment for all students(Lee, 2021).
Dyslexia and related disorders are protected under Section 504 and may be included as a specific learning disability under the IDEA. Students with dyslexia and related disorders and who receive the state’s standard dyslexia protocol are included under Section 504 (Texas Education Agency).
If student with dyslexia needs extra help or accommodations at school, he or she may get help through a Section 504 plan. A Section 504 plan helps students get necessary accommodations   to help them participate within learning environments and activities. 
References:
  • Lee, A. M. I. (2021, April 19). IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA: Which laws do what. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/at-a-glance-which-laws-do-what. 
  • Texas Education Agency. (n.d.). Section 504 Fact Sheet For Parents. TEA. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/section-504.pdf. 
]]> 2021-07-17 22:28:49 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653492618 Maintaining Legal Compliance ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653493795
  • According to the Texas Education Agency, "Texas state law (TEC §38.003) requires that public school students be screened and tested as appropriate for dyslexia and related disorders at appropriate times in accordance with a program approved by the SBOE" (TEA, 2018).  Each student must be screened utilizing an approved program at the end of the kindergarten year and then again during first grade before January 31st of each year (TEA, 2018).
  • In 2002, the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Board Members adopted the following definition, utilized by several states, "dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin, and is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result 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," ( IDA, 2002).
  •  All educational staff should be trained concerning the cognitive and mental/emotional challenges caused by dyslexia.
  • Sources of Law Takeaways 
  1. IDEA is the law that provides special education for qualifying SLD.
  2. Section 504 is the law that provides 504 plans for eligible K–12 students.
  3. ADA provides freedom from discrimination at work or school.
  • Dyslexia is not a disease, it is life-long condition that has no cure and affects 13-14% of the national student population ( IDA, 2002). 
  • Parents have the right to request a Section 504 Evaluation for their student, and may do so by contacting the school counselor. 
  • School counselors should strive to contribute to a safe, nondiscriminatory school environment in which all students and staff demonstrate respect and appreciation (American School Counselor Association, 2016. A.10.a). 
  • Characteristics of dyslexia may include problems in reading comprehension, which reduce a student's reading experience that can impedes growth of vocabulary and background knowledge ( IDA, 2002).
  • Early identification of dyslexia characteristics in students followed with early interventions will have significant impacts on the students future success (TEA, 2018, p.7)
References:
  • American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors . SchoolCounselor.org. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf. 
  • Definition of Dyslexia. International Dyslexia Association. (2018, July 16). https://dyslexiaida.org/definition-of-dyslexia/. 
  • Lee, A. M. I. (2021, April 19). IDEA, Section 504, and the ADA: Which laws do what. Understood. https://www.understood.org/articles/en/at-a-glance-which-laws-do-what. 
  • Texas Education Agency. (2018). The Dyslexia Handbook: Procedures Concerning Dyslexia and Related Disorders. https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/2018-Dyslexia-Handbook_Approved_Accomodated_12_11_2018.pdf
]]> 2021-07-17 22:34:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653493795 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653498353 2021-07-17 22:56:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653498353 The Dyslexia Handbook ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653498596 As stated in The Dyslexia Handbook (2018), "the purpose of The Dyslexia Handbook is to provide procedures for school districts, charter schools, campuses, teachers, students, and parents/guardians in early identification of , instruction for, and accommodations for students with dyslexia," (p. x)]]> 2021-07-17 22:57:41 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653498596 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653507136 2021-07-17 23:40:22 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653507136 TLCA Dyslexia Handbook ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653507175 The TLCA Dyslexia Handbook can be accessed on the TLCA website under the Special Programs tab. For information concerning 504, dyslexia testing, and intervention programs for struggling readers, please contact the school counselor at any TLCA campus.
Parents have the right to request a Section 504 Evaluation for their student, and may do so by contacting the school counselor.


]]> 2021-07-17 23:40:37 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653507175 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653510256 2021-07-17 23:56:06 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653510256 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653511500 2021-07-17 23:58:08 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653511500 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653512260 2021-07-18 00:02:03 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653512260 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653514665 2021-07-18 00:14:56 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653514665 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515046 2021-07-18 00:16:53 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515046 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515359 2021-07-18 00:18:26 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515359 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515795 2021-07-18 00:20:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653515795 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653517139 2021-07-18 00:27:50 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653517139 Evaluation, Assessment and Interpretation ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653519930 As a professional school counselor, my goal is to enhance student’s mental health, increase academic performance, and improve campus climate. According the the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Ethical Standards for School Counselor (2016), school counselors conduct school counseling program assessments to determine the effectiveness of activities supporting students’ academic, career and social/emotional development through accountability measures, especially examining efforts to close information, opportunity and attainment gaps (American School Counselor Association, 2016. A.13.i). Research indicates that dyslexia can can students a number of academic challenges, as well as emotional, social, and mental difficulties. It is vital that students with dyslexia receive necessary academic accommodations, however routine evaluations and assessments should be completed to ensure students are developing communication skills, positive self-awarenss, and social relationships. As a school counselor and student advocate, my goal is to see diverse learners be and fell successful in a safe and respectful learning environment.
References:
  • American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors . SchoolCounselor.org. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf.
]]> 2021-07-18 00:41:18 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653519930 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653522437 2021-07-18 00:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653522437 ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653751231 2021-07-18 15:00:04 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653751231 Working With & Living With ltaylor151 https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653764224 As a parent, I always saw my children as bright and enthusiastic learners, until my youngest son was half-way through 3rd grade. Although, we routinely read and he met state assessment standards, he was constantly frustrated and struggling with fluency. Overall, he was physically and socially immature compared to his peers. The decision was made to retain him, which led to testing for dyslexia. It became clear that he had devised his own strategies to master reading challenges and learned to compensate his feelings of being inadequate with being class clown. As a parent it was important that I understand my rights concerning my child's education, in addition, to his rights as a student with a disability. My son is now a bright and enthusiastic learner because the learning field has now been "leveled" with accommodations that meet his personal needs. As a school counselor, my goal is help students and parents understand their educational rights, and to help teachers understand that all students should be bright and enthusiastic learners. ]]> 2021-07-18 15:33:36 UTC https://padlet.com/ltaylor151/olrqqm8w9y3occz8/wish/1653764224