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Dyslexia

Academics

 

Dyslexia is not due to either lack of intelligence or desire to learn; with appropriate teaching methods, students with dyslexia can learn successfully.

Edina Public Schools takes the issue of all reading concerns very seriously and screens all elementary students for indicators of dyslexia in compliance with Minnesota Statute 120B.12. These screening efforts are designed to identify students who may need learning interventions or further evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. Students who have a dyslexia diagnosis must meet the state and federal eligibility criteria in order to qualify for special education services.

Dyslexia Diagnosis

While Edina Public Schools does not formally diagnose dyslexia, we do actively monitor student performance and screen for reading concerns and symptoms of dyslexia that would indicate a need for supplemental instruction, alternative learning methods, or specialized instructional services.

Students who have been diagnosed with dyslexia outside of the school system must meet the state and federal eligibility criteria in order to qualify for special education services. Parents of students diagnosed with dyslexia by an outside source should make the classroom teacher aware of the diagnosis, as well as share any additional information they think would be helpful, including, but not limited to the outside evaluator’s summary and recommendations.

The classroom teacher will bring this information to the attention of the building’s Student Assistance Team for consideration. The team will investigate the extent to which the diagnosed disability of dyslexia is affecting the student’s performance in the area of reading and determine the next steps which may include: additional evaluation, implementation of classroom accommodations, inclusion in one or more of the interventions available at the site or determine that no additional services are required. The Student Support Team will notify parent(s) of their findings and secure permission prior to proceeding should additional supports, or services, be recommended (View the Dyslexia Diagnosis Chart).

"Dyslexia" means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent recognition of words 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."MDE

Early Signs of Dyslexia

Some common indicators of dyslexia may include:

  • Delay in speaking
  • Difficulties with pronunciation and articulation, typical mispronunciations involve:
    • Leaving off beginning sounds:
      • Example: "pisgetti" for spaghetti
    •  Inverting sounds within a word:
      • Example: "aminal" for animal
  • Trouble penetrating the sound structure of words and as a result, are less sensitive to rhyme.
  • Unable to focus on one part of a word
  • Inarticulate or difficulties expressing themselves
  • Struggles with the ability to learn names and sounds of letters in the alphabet

Services & Supports

There are several options for parents and teachers to support their student.


 

SCREENING PROCESS

INTERVENTION PROCESS

Convergence Insufficiency

Edina Public Schools does not include screening for convergence insufficiency disorder as part of its vision screening program. Parents with concerns about the condition should see their licensed eye care specialist for assessment and treatment. Edina follows the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recommendations for vision screening and follow-up. Vision screenings for school use are insufficient for diagnosing Convergence Insufficiency.

Convergence Insufficiency Fact Sheet