The definition of dyslexia adopted by the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) states: “Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological 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 Video Series
This four-part video series begins with an overview of the definition and characteristics of dyslexia, followed by an explanation of the relationship between reading development and dyslexia. Next, common questions about dyslexia and services offered under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are answered. The series ends with a description of what a structured literacy approach to reading instruction means, and what this looks like for students with dyslexia. The videos are designed to be viewed sequentially.
To access the summaries of each video and a sharable flyer, click here.
To access the recordings of the four-part webinar series, Unraveling Dyslexia: A Closer Look at the GaDOE Dyslexia Video Series, click here. In each webinar, Dr. Sayeski “unraveled” the content presented in each video. Dr. Sayeski and Dr. Lindstrom then answered questions to further clarify the information presented and provided guidance on how best to support students with dyslexia in the school setting.
To access the summaries of each video and a sharable flyer,
click here.
To access the recordings of the four-part webinar series, Unraveling Dyslexia: A Closer Look at the GaDOE Dyslexia Video Series,
click here. In each webinar, Dr. Sayeski “unraveled” the content presented in each video. Dr. Sayeski and Dr. Lindstrom then answered questions to further clarify the information presented and provided guidance on how best to support students with dyslexia in the school setting.
Dyslexia Updates
As of May 2019, Governor Kemp signed
Senate Bill 48 into law. SB48 provides for identification of and support for students in kindergarten through third grade with dyslexia.
GaDOE hosted a Dyslexia Pilot District Panel webinar series in January and March, 2023. This two-part webinar series provided an opportunity for teachers and administrators to learn from representatives from the Dyslexia Pilot Districts. In Session 1, attendees heard directly from district representatives about how the pilot affected their core reading instruction, screening for dyslexia and other reading difficulties, intervention, progress monitoring, and the use of student data for instruction and intervention. Representatives also shared their districts’ successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the pilot so far. In Session 2, district representatives shared information about their Dyslexia leadership teams, professional learning support, and instructional shifts that have occurred since the inception of the pilot. Attendees were given the opportunity to ask questions of the pilot district representatives and Statewide Dyslexia Coordinator.
Webinar recordings, power point presentations, and the Dyslexia Planning and Discussion Guide are below:
Dyslexia Task Force
The Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE) Dyslexia Task Force is comprised of subject-matter experts and education stakeholders. Representatives of Georgia P-12 schools, colleges and universities, RESAs, professional associations, and other state agencies serve on the GaDOE Dyslexia Task Force. These stakeholders provide valuable input from diverse perspectives, helping ensure guidance and resources are fair and focused on improving educational outcomes for students, as well as educators. The Dyslexia Task Force met four times between November 30, 2022 and April 28, 2023 to address critical issues related to SB48 in Georgia. The following four working groups were formed based on the collective knowledge and expertise of each individual: (1) Screening for Characteristics of Dyslexia; (2) Dyslexia Parent Handbook; (3) Statewide Dyslexia Professional Learning; and (4) Dyslexia Informational Handbook. The Dyslexia Task Force will continue to meet twice per year (minimum) to continue to address critical issues related to Dyslexia.
Qualified Dyslexia Streening Tools
The State Board of Education approved State School Superintendent Richard Woods’ recommendation to adopt the proposed list of
Qualified Dyslexia Screening Tools at the May 2023 SBOE meeting. The Qualified Dyslexia Screening Tools are to be used by school districts for the identification and referral of students with characteristics of dyslexia.
GaPSC Approved Dyslexia Endorsement Programs
If you are a public school educator in Georgia looking for a dyslexia endorsement program approved by the state, please be sure to read the (released 12/7/2021) guidance document regarding selecting one of these approved dyslexia endorsement programs:
GaDOE Dyslexia Endorsement Program Guidance Document.
Georgia's Dyslexia Pilot Program
Per Senate Bill 48, beginning with the 2020-2021 school year, the State School Superintendent shall establish a three-year pilot program to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of early reading assistance programs for students with risk factors for dyslexia.
The Dyslexia Pilot Program consists of the following districts:
1. Charlton County School District
2. City Schools of Decatur
3. DeKalb County School District
4. Jackson County School District
5. Marietta City Schools
6. Muscogee County School District
7. Ware County School District
Resources to Support Georgia's Dyslexia Pilot Program can be found below:
Educator Resources
Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know
Many elementary school teachers have limited resources related to dyslexia and other
learning differences.
Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know was developed to open the door for these educators to a better understanding of dyslexia. This handbook is intended to support all teachers in their passion to help every child reach his or her fullest potential. Parent Information Resources
The following websites offer parent friendly resources concerning dyslexia.Dyslexia Presentations
The link to access archived dyslexia professional learning sessions
can be found here.
