Hi, I'm a Texas parent of a 2e child. When I watched the school system fail her, I realized how broken the process is. I built this resource to help parents like you get the support your child deserves. You are not alone.
⚡ Quick Answer
What are my child's dyslexia rights in Texas?
Under the Texas Dyslexia Handbook (2024 update), all districts must screen students for dyslexia in grades K–2 and provide evidence-based intervention programs. If your child is identified, they are entitled to a structured literacy program and — if eligible — a 504 Plan or IEP with accommodations like extended time and audio support.
Targeted Reading Support
Don't Let the School "Wait and See"
Get the definitive Texas roadmap for HB 3928 and the dyslexia evaluation process.
Dyslexia / Reading
Dyslexia Parent Support Toolkit
Don't Let the School "Wait and See."
The definitive Texas roadmap for HB 3928 and the dyslexia evaluation process. Includes legally cited request templates, the 15-45-30 timeline breakdown, and structured literacy progress logs.
Del Valle ISD is committed to providing comprehensive support to students with dyslexia, following Texas state guidelines. This guide outlines the services available within the district.
Texas Dyslexia Handbook 2024
Del Valle ISD adheres to the guidelines outlined in the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, updated in 2024. This handbook provides detailed information on:
Definition of dyslexia
Identification procedures
Evidence-based interventions
Accommodation strategies
Parent rights and responsibilities
Parents are strongly encouraged to review the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, available on the Texas Education Agency (TEA) website. Familiarizing yourself with its content will help you understand the process and advocate effectively for your child.
Mandatory Screening
Texas law mandates dyslexia screening for all students in kindergarten and first grade. Del Valle ISD conducts these screenings using TEA-approved instruments. The purpose of screening is to identify students at risk for dyslexia early on.
Screening typically involves assessments of phonological awareness, letter knowledge, and rapid automatized naming. Results are reviewed by trained personnel, and parents are notified if their child demonstrates indicators of dyslexia. Even if a child does not show indicators in K-1, concerns at later grades should be reported for consideration.
Structured Literacy Programs
Del Valle ISD implements structured literacy programs for students identified with dyslexia. Structured literacy is a multi-sensory, systematic, and explicit approach to teaching reading and spelling. Key components include:
Phonological Awareness: Understanding and manipulating sounds in spoken language.
Phonics: Connecting sounds to letters and letter patterns.
Fluency: Reading accurately and at an appropriate pace.
Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding the meaning of text.
Morphology: Understanding prefixes, suffixes, and root words.
Syntax: Understanding sentence structure.
The specific structured literacy program used in Del Valle ISD classrooms is selected based on effectiveness and alignment with the Texas Dyslexia Handbook. Your child's school can provide more specific details on the program used at their campus.
504 vs IEP for Dyslexia
Students with dyslexia may qualify for support through either a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The determining factor is the severity of the student's needs and the level of intervention required.
504 Plan: Provides accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure equal access to the general education curriculum. Students must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, such as learning.
IEP (Individualized Education Program): Developed for students with disabilities who require specialized instruction and related services to make progress in their education. Students must meet specific eligibility criteria under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Students receiving specialized reading intervention through a structured literacy program, and needing significantly modified instruction, may need an IEP for dyslexia. A student who needs only accommodations to access the curriculum may benefit from a 504 plan.
Accommodations List
Accommodations are adjustments to the learning environment or instructional practices that help students with dyslexia access the curriculum. Examples of common accommodations include:
Extended time on tests and assignments
Preferential seating
Audiobooks
Text-to-speech software
Reduced workload
Use of graphic organizers
Multi-sensory teaching techniques
Note-taking assistance
Specific accommodations are determined based on the individual student's needs and outlined in their 504 plan or IEP.
How to Request Evaluation
If you have concerns that your child may have dyslexia, the first step is to contact your child's teacher or the school principal. You can formally request a dyslexia evaluation by submitting a written request to the school principal or the special education department. The request should clearly state your concerns and include any relevant information about your child's learning history.
Once the school receives your written request, a team of professionals will review the information and determine if an evaluation is warranted. Parents are an integral part of this process and will be involved in all decision-making. If an evaluation is conducted, the results will be shared with you, and the team will discuss appropriate interventions and supports based on the findings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers every parent in Texas needs to know.
Is my child entitled to dyslexia testing in Texas? +
Yes. Texas law requires all districts to screen students for dyslexia and related disorders in Kindergarten and First Grade, and at any grade level if a parent or teacher requests it.
What accommodations can a dyslexic child get in Texas? +
Accommodations may include extended time on tests, text-to-speech software, oral administration of tests, reduced-answer-choice formats, and use of a calculator. These can be provided through a 504 Plan or an IEP.
What is the Texas Dyslexia Handbook? +
The Texas Dyslexia Handbook is a state guidance document updated in 2024 that outlines districts' responsibilities for identifying, evaluating, and serving students with dyslexia using structured literacy methods.
📍 Other Districts in Region 13 (TEA ESC)
Parents across the region share the same TEA oversight and ESC support. These districts follow the same timelines: