Dyslexia: School-Based Screening, Assessment, and Intervention

Book excerpt: Although as many as 10-20% of students are affected by dyslexia, most teachers still receive very little (if any) training about this disorder. Much misinformation about dyslexia exists as well; and until very recently, even the term “dyslexia” was not being used in schools. Fortunately, this is changing. Today, there are a variety of evidence-based tools and programs that schools can use to catch dyslexia early, develop effective interventions, and help students with dyslexia thrive in school and beyond. In addition to listing over 100 specific screening, diagnostic, and assessment tools, this guide: summarizes what we know about dyslexia; discusses state-wide legislation and guidelines; identifies three steps for identifying dyslexia: presents an multi-tiered (RTI) framework for dyslexia intervention; recommends structured language programs and other interventions for students with dyslexia; lists additional online dyslexia resources.