Dyslexia

The Tennessee “Say Dyslexia” law was passed in 2016. The law requires school districts to screen all students for characteristics of dyslexia through their existing Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) procedures. School teams will use screening information to determine the need for dyslexia-specific intervention. 

Parents will receive a letter if their child demonstrates characteristics of dyslexia and needs intervention. Receiving a letter does NOT mean your child has dyslexia; however, it does mean

•  Your child is struggling with one or more foundational aspects of reading, such as sounding out words, spelling, or reading accurately.
•  Your child will receive additional small group intervention using methods that are effective in building foundational skills. 
• School teams will review your child’s progress data regularly to determine if interventions are effective.
•  School teams will change interventions as needed.
• The school will send home updates about your child’s progress approximately every 4.5 weeks.
•  School teams may consider the use of accommodations and assistive technology.
• School teams may make referrals for evaluations as needed (see Dyslexia Resource Guide for more information).