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Dyslexia

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It 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. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Dyslexia Resources

  • The Texas Dyslexia Handbook is developed and adopted into administrative rule by the Texas State Board of Education. The handbook contains guidelines for school districts to follow as they identify and provide services for students with dyslexia. In addition, information regarding the state's dyslexia statutes and their relation to various federal laws is included. 

    On September 3rd, 2021, the State Board of Education (SBOE) gave final approval for updates to the Dyslexia Handbook. Some of the updates to the Dyslexia Handbook may require LEAs to make policy, procedure, and practice changes. 

  • Whitewright ISD has created this program guide to support parents, students, and teachers as we work together to build a strong foundation for reading. 

    Click for Program Guide

  • Texas Talking Books

    The Talking Book Program (TBP) provides free library services for Texans of any age who are blind or have a visual, physical, or reading disability.  

    Registered TBP patrons may borrow books and magazines in digital audio, Braille, and large print.

    Materials and playback machines are mailed to your door, completely free of charge—you do not have to pay for postage when you return them. Eligible Texas residents who cannot read standard print material in the usual manner can complete an application and return it by mail. TBP will call you to set up an account after the application is approved. Contact us for any questions or comments you may have.

  • Books about Dyslexia

    • All Kinds of Minds by Mel Levine, M.D.
    • Basic Facts About Dyslexia & Other Reading Problems by Louisa Cook Moats, Karen E. Dakin
    • Beginning to Read: Thinking and Learning About Print—A Summary by Marilyn Jager Adams
    • Dyslexia, Fluency, and the Brain by Maryanne Wolf
    • Dyslexia: Theory and Practice of Instruction, Third Edition by Diana Brewster Clark, Joanna Kellog Uhry
    • English Isn’t Crazy! by Diana Handbury King
    • Helping Children Overcome L.D. by Gerome Rosner
    • Homework Without Tears: A Parent’s Guide for Motivating Children To Do Homework and To Succeed in School by Lee Canter, Lee Hausner
    • How Dyslexic Benny Became a Star: A Story of Hope for Dyslexic Children and Their Parents by Joe Griffith
    • Informed Instruction for Reading Success: Foundations for Teacher Preparation by The International Dyslexia Association
    • Josh: A Boy With Dyslexia by Caroline Janover
    • Keeping A Head in School: A Student’s Book about Learning Abilities and Learning Disorders by Mel Levine, M.D.
    • Learning Outside the Lines: Two Ivy League Students with Learning Disabilities and AdHD Give You the Tools for Academic Success and Educational Revolution by Jonathan Mooney, David Cole
    • Multisensory Teaching of Basic Language Skills, 3rd Edition by Judith R. Birsh (Ed.)
    • My Name is Brain Brian by Jeanne Betancourt
    • Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at An Level by Sally Shaywitz, M.D.
    • Parenting a Struggling Reader by Susan L. Hall, Louisa C. Moats
    • Proust and the Squid, The Story and Science of the Reading Brain by Maryanne Wolf
    • Reading Assessment: Linking Language, Literacy, and Cognition by Melissa Lee Farrall
    • Reading David: A Mother and Son’s Journey Through the Labyrinth of Dyslexia by Lissa Weinstein, Ph.D.
    • Revealing Minds: Assessing to Understand and Support Struggling Learners by Craig Pohlman
    • Smart Kids with School Problems: Things to Know & Ways to Help by Pricilla Vail
    • Speech to Print by Louisa C. Moats
    • Straight Talk About Reading: How Parents Can Make a Difference During the Early Years by Susan L. Hall, Louisa C. Moats
    • The Difficult Child by Stanley Turecki, M.D., Leslie Tonner
    • The Many Faces of Dyslexia by Margaret Byrd Rawson
    • The Misunderstood Child: Understanding and Coping with Your Child’s Learning Disability by Larry B. Silver, M.D.
    • The Read Aloud Handbook by Jim Trelease
    • The Source for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia by Regina Richards
    • The Tuned-in, Turned-on Book about Learning Problems by Marnell Hayes
    • The Voice of Evidence in Reading Research by Peggy McCardle, Vinita Chhabra
    • The Worst Speller in Jr. High by Caroline Janover, Rosemary Wellner