Dyslexia
The Arizona Department of Education is focused on the importance of teaching children to read. Progress in reading development begins with Arizona’s teachers implementing systematic and explicit instruction across all the elements of reading, including following the MTSS process of tiered instruction. The legislation in A.R.S §15-704 is designed to help identify students with characteristics of dyslexia so interventions can be in place.
Dyslexia Training Designee Grant Update:
ADE is pleased to announce the funding of the Dyslexia Training Designee Grant. This grant provides funds for teachers across Arizona to receive training in reading instruction, how to intensify instruction and supporting learners with reading struggles, including dyslexia. The grant opens April 18, 2022 in the GME system. Funds can be used retroactive to January 1, 2022. Districts/charters can apply for two K-3 educators per school and up to 20 schools per district. The grant is first come, first served and carryover is not allowed. For more information, watch this informational video, or reach out to Maggie Velazquez.
Dyslexia Training Designee: Approved Trainings | Guidance | Grant - application opens 4/18/22
Universal Literacy & Dyslexia Screener: Approved Screeners | Guidance
Contact Information: Maggie Velazquez, Dyslexia and Literacy Intervention Specialist, 602-364-1843
“Dyslexia” means a specific learning disorder 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.
The Dyslexia Handbook is designed for teachers and administrators to help them recognize characteristics constant with dyslexia and how to aid students with dyslexia. Educators at all levels must have a deep understanding of reading to pinpoint gaps in student learning. This document also provides technical assistance to support families.
Dyslexia Training Designee Guidance
As required by ARS 15-211, the Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) can be any Kindergarten through Third Grade teacher on a given campus. Any campus that serves K-3 students must identify at least one DTD for that campus. This document provides guidance to schools and districts for implementing this position on their campus, as well as the approved list of dyslexia trainings and frequently asked questions.
Universal Literacy & Dyslexia Screener Guide
This comprehensive guide is intended to assist school leaders with the literacy MTSS process, including ADE’s guidance on the use of literacy screening to include the screening for characteristics consistent with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Family Resource Guide
The Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families provides an overview the definition of dyslexia, characteristics constant with dyslexia by age, and how families can their child with dyslexia. This resource guide also provides a helpful question and answer section.
Dyslexia Family Resource Guide (Spanish)
The Dyslexia Resource Guide for Families in Spanish provides an overview the definition of dyslexia ,characteristics constant with dyslexia by age, and how families can their child with dyslexia. This resource guide also provides a helpful question and answer section.
There are four good cause exemptions to retention for 3rd grade students who fail to meet the MOWR cut score. These apply if a student
- Is an English learner or a limited English proficient student and has had fewer than two years of English language instruction; OR
- Is in the process of a special education referral or evaluation and/or student has been diagnosed as having a significant reading impairment, including dyslexia; OR
- Has an identified disability and has an IEP and the IEP team (including parents) agrees that promotion is appropriate;
- OR Has demonstrated or subsequently demonstrates sufficient reading skills or adequate progress towards sufficient reading skills of the 3rd-grade reading standards as evidenced through a collection of reading assessments approved by the State Board.
Arizona Revised Statute (A.R.S.) §15-701
Dyslexia Designee Approved Trainings
As required by ARS 15-211, the Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) can be any Kindergarten through Third Grade teacher on a given campus. Any campus that serves K-3 students must identify at least one DTD for that campus. This list provides information on the required approved dyslexia trainings. The DTD needs to have completed the trainings by July 1, 2022. Each vendor submitted materials that had to meet requirements of the legislation per the RFI process. Those learning opportunities that met the requirements were shared on the final list.
Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener List
During 2021-2022, schools are reviewing and selecting a screener from the Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener list, with full implementation by July 1, 2022. This screening process meets both Move On When Reading and Dyslexia legislation, and will be the tool used to complete the MOWR Literacy Plan and assessment data submission for fall, winter, and spring. ADE allows for additional vendor submissions for this RFI through the year with the close date of December 1. Vendors who would like to apply for the Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener RFI need to email Maggie Velazquez for additional information. After December 1, the ADE team will review all submissions to assure the tool meets/continues to meet Arizona Statute. The Approved Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener list will be updated and reposted by February 1 of each year.
Spring 2022
Overcoming Dyslexia
by Sally Shaywitz, M.D. and Jonathan Shaywitz, M.D.
One in five American children has trouble reading. But they are not stupid or lazy. In Overcoming Dyslexia, Dr. Sally Shaywitz, codirector of the Yale Center for the Study of Learning and Attention and a leader in the new research into how the brain works, offers the latest information about reading problems and proven, practical techniques that, along with hard work and the right help, can enable anyone to overcome them. This book gives the tools that parents and teachers need to help the dyslexic child, age by age, grade by grade, step by step.
To order: https://bit.ly/2VSo6DS
Book Study Details:
- Virtual book chats will take place over 9 consecutive Wednesdays starting 1/12 through 3/9.
- 4:30-5:30 MST
- All participants must register in the ADE EMS system to receive credit - each session is offered individually.
- All participants who register in EMS, read their chapters, and attend the book study will be given 2-hours PD credit. (For a total of 18 hours of PD!)
- More details, ordering information, etc. can be found on this flyer. Please share with your colleagues!
ADE Resources
- Arizona Early Learning Standards - 3rd Edition
- Arizona State Literacy Plan
- AZ Find (Child Find)
- Early Childhood Education
- English Language Arts Standards
- Multi-tiered System of Supports (MTSS)
- Read On Arizona
External Agency Resources
Dyslexia Videos
Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screeners
- Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener Guidance - This short video reviews the requirements and timelines for the Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener.
- Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener Guide - This short video reviews the different components of the Universal Literacy and Dyslexia Screener Guide.
Dyslexia Training
- Coming soon
Assessment Series
- MOWR Assessment Requirements Screening
- MOWR Assessment Requirements Progress Monitoring
- MOWR Assessment Requirements Diagnostic
Approved Screener Videos:
**The views and opinions expressed in any third-party resource do not necessarily reflect those of the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) and do not imply an endorsement by ADE.
