​​​​​​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.

• ​Video 1: What is Dyslexia?(11:03 min.)
• Video 2: Reading Development and Dyslexia (10:20 min.)
• Video 3: Dyslexia and the IDEA​​ (11:35 min.)
• ​Video 4: Structured Literacy and Dyslexia​ (20:56 min.)

To access the summaries of each video and a sharable flyer, click here.​

To register for the four-part webinar series, Unraveling Dyslexia: A Closer Look at the GaDOE Dyslexia Video Series, click here​. In each webinar, Dr. Sayeski will “unravel” the content presented in each video. Dr. Sayeski and Dr. Lindstrom will then answer questions to clarify further the information presented and provide guidance on how best to support students with dyslexia in the school setting.​

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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.

GaPSC Approved Dyslexia Endorsement Programs (Updated on 9/06/2022)

• Central Savannah River Area RESA
• Columbus State University
• Georgia College and State University
• Georgia State University
• Griffin RESA
• Metro RESA
• Middle Georgia RESA
• North Georgia RESA
  
• Northeast Georgia RESA
  
• Northwest Georgia RESA
  
• Okefenokee RESA​
  
• Reinhardt University
  
• Shorter University
• Thomas University
• University of Georgia
• University of West Georgia
• West Georgia RESA

Please contact the program provider or refer to GAPSC Approved Dyslexia Endorsement Programs for updates and further information. For information about the Dyslexia Endorsement, contact the Georgia Professional Standards Commission.

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 newly created (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:

• Southern Region Education Board: Resources to Support the Georgia Dyslexia Pilot Districts
• Region 6 Comprehensive Center at SERVE: Dyslexia Resources Dyslexia Resources​
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Educator Resources

• Cox Campus’s free interactive courses and tools are designed to equip any adult interacting with children—from birth through age nine—in ways that support language and literacy development.
• Key GaDOE Resources for Dyslexia and MTSS
• The International Dyslexia Association
• The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity
• OSEP Dyslexia Guidance Letter
• National Center on Improving Literacy - Schools and Districts
• Dyslexia in the Classroom: What Every Teacher Needs to Know - International Dyslexia Association
  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.

• American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Decoding Dyslexia Georgia
• EduMed
• Get Georgia Reading
• International Dyslexia Association Georgia
• Kids Health Factsheet
• Literacy for Learning, Living and Leading in Georgia (L4GA)
• Understood
• Parent to Parent of Georgia
• National Center on Improving Literacy - Parents and Families

Dyslexia Presentations

The link to access archived dyslexia professional learning sessions can be found here.

• Foundational Reading Skill Development and Dyslexia: Serving All Students (Brief)
• Foundational Reading Skill Development and Dyslexia: Serving All Students (Extended)