Needing Information About Dsylexia

Is he in the special ed system at his school? They make accomodations for students with learning disabilities and such.

Has he been tested at school? If so, he should be receiving services. I taught 4th grade for 7 years, and this is my first year in 3rd grade. The dyslexic teacher should be working with him, and the classroom teacher should be making some accomodations. He should also be able to take the TAKS bundled assessment. This should all be in his 504 paperwork.

Good luck!

You need to see if he can qualify for 504 or OHI assistance in the classroom. (oral tests, untimed tests, sitting in the front of the class...etc...

Talk to his teacher about these things.
Good luck

yes he gets two days to do the Tax and it is not timed for him. He does or should have everything read to him. They will go slowly and read the reading to him. He has to pass the reading not the math in April to pass. But Im not sure about the override if he doesn't. I do know that if he does fail they will look at his grades and the Tax test to determine to pass him to 4th.

But we just got done with Scottish Rite and I would highly reccomend you calling them and applying him for help in their Dyslexic Dept. Its asome!!! They are alot more knowledgeable than the schools. We just went through all this, the school thought my daughter was dyslexic and she was not. But we did find out she has a learning disability, by going to Scottish Rite. And if your not getting the right help through your school after going to SR it will give the school exact info on how to teach to your son.

I also say contact Scottish Rite, they are great nd so helpful. We homeschool, our son is dsylexic, but they have helped us so much. Not only have they helped him, they have helped me understand him and know how to teach him better.

go here - http://www.tea.state.tx.us/student.assessment/resources/g...

it' the link to TEA policy and what is available for dyslexic kids for Testing.

You have no time to lose. Read this and go straight to your school to ask for whatever is available for your son and is MANDATED by the state.

I agree on the Scottish Rite eval. They are the LEADERS in the US in dyslexia eval and remediation. There is a long waiting list so have your pediatrician refer you immediately.

I typed a lot about this and lost it!--sorry. You need to have him evaluated if he hasn't been already and make sure to have a 504/ARD meeting to get everything in writing. That's when you'll discuss the bundling. He should be getting small group reading attention--at least that's how it was in Duncanville ISD. Scottish Rite is great and many of us (teachers/specialists) were trained by them. However, the waiting list for them to test is always a mile long. You can have a reading specialist or someone from the reading department in your child's school district do the test and the results can still be used. Good luck!

Hey A.,

My name is A. too. I have Dsylexia in my Auditory Processing and didn't find out until my 5th year of College. I struggled at your son's age to keep up in reading. So I understand the frustrations. I am not sure I would have passed the TAKS test in Third grade either. Your son is special and I mean in a good way. Through these struggles he will learn what works for him and get him ahead to where he needs to be. The hard part is dealing with everyone else's image of his struggles. Keep encouraging him and let him know many of our CEO's and powerful people in this country are Dyslexic. The struggles they went through when they were younger helped them learn to approach problems from different angles that no one else did and that gave them a competitive edge. The important thing is not to use Dyslexia as a crutch but to approach it as a challenge to overcome. And you never know, staying back a year may help in the long run and there is nothing wrong with that. Just don't give up.
He can learn to read, it may just take longer. He should read everyday. I love to read even though I don't do it well. It just has to be a subject I am interested in. I personally know a published author that is Dyslexic as well. I went to graduate school at Cornell University with this disability.

I didn't have any help when I was younger. I had to learn tricks to help myself. One trick I remember was to memorize my spelling lists photographically. Before this trick I failed all my spelling tests. I couldn't do it by phonics since I couldn't process the sounds correctly. When I started memorizing the words I got a 100 on every spelling test after that and I think it helped my reading as well.

My parents started their own Computer Business when I was eight so I had a chance to use computers daily. This was in the days of MS-DOS before Windows existed. This also really helped my reading.

I currently work for Charles Schwab and he is dyslexic. He has created some free websites for families with Learning Disabilities. The website www.schwablearning.org has tools for parents and www.sparktop.org is fun for the kids.

I have a 9 year old daughter as well and she has to study for the TAKS test too. Your son can do it. And he just needs to relax about the outcome and work hard and do his best on the test and not stress to much over it. If he passes great, if he fails, he can try again. The important part is that he can do it, he just has to work a little harder and try different things that use his strengths to get through. And in that he will learn more about himself and his abilities that will give him confidence to succeed as he gets older. He is learning challenged, not learning disabled. I wish your baby the best.

You need to contact the school and make sure that he will be receiving the "Dsylexia Bundle" for TAKS testing.

Dear A.,
Since your son has been diagnosed with dsylexia, you also have an A.R.D. committee of which you are part of. The ARD committee has final say so for your son since he is probably recieving special education services. You attend his end of the year ARD meeting. And demand he be placed in the fourth grade. It probably will be reccommended anyway. Have the diagnostician read the minutes at the end of the meeting. If you do not agree with anything that is written, say so. Parents have so much power in those kinds of meetings but the school doesn't want you to know that. The meetings are designed to intimidate you, the parent. If you want more information, e-mail me at ____@____.com. I am a retired public special education teacher.

My daughter ius dyslexic and in the 4th grade. This will be her first year to take the taks as she has been in private school until this year. I do know that if your son is 504 he gets two days and is given it seperatly from the others. He can ask to have the proper nouns read aloud before and during the test, but make sure he asks. I did find out if they don't ask, it isn't automatically done. I also know on certain parts the questions and answers are read aloud, math I believe. Also a principal can over ride the Taks if a child fails and promote them anyway. Where do you live and have you had a tutor? I have been searching for one with little luck.

Ok first don't worry so much your stress will impact him too. Second Dyslexia is not the end of the world. I am 25 and severely Dyslexic and so is my mom both of our I.Q.s are above 130 and I graduated with a 3.5, it does take a lot of work but it is possible. Back when I was in school they really didn't help much so my mom had me read out of the dictionary, it sounds extreme but it gave me the ability to recognize words on sight and also expaneded my vocabulary and ability to determine the meanings of words based on the different parts of the the word. It was really helpful with the reading aspect of it but, I also have problems with transposing letters and numbers also in math I switch numbers, this was really apparent in algebra but straitened out once I took geometery. My situation is a bit rare I have two types of Dyslexia, the one dealing with math is not as common. Just give him a lot of encouragement and help at home and be very involved in his school work. Oh and mine gets really bad when I am stressed or have not gotten a good nights sleep, this may be a trigger for him too, you may want to look for signs. Good Luck and best wishes.

If he is in the special ed program at his school he should take a modified TAKS test. If he is not than you need to talk to the principal.

M.

Hopefully you have the dyslexia information at the school and he is receiving modifications in reading. If he does have this in place, ask about "Dyslexia Bundling" testing. The testing coordinator at your building has information on this.. I know that the testing is done over two days and has other special testing accommodations. It is available whether he is a Regular or Special Ed student, but it has to be documented with the school.

I too have dsylexia. I learned a long time ago that I do and did better growing up if they would do the questions and answers verbally. I know that they are very strick about the taks test, but if you go to the administration and speak with them they may allow him to take the tests verbally. I am now 40 and have learned over the many years to overcome the problem. I do much better on a computer doing anything than I ever did with paper and pen, just something else that you might check into. Hope this helps a little. I will keep your son in my prayers that God will help him in dealing with this horrible disability.

V. C

A.,

I am private reading specialist and used to be a school district administrator (oversaw a district dyslexia and language arts program from the admin building)

To clarify from a lot of these other responses: dyslexia does not necessarily fall under the special ed umbrella or the 504 umbrella - it depends on the severity of the disability SO you may not have a 504 or IEP or ARD committee and that is just fine.

Dyslexia in any form is coverend under TX state law
Here is the TX law about dyslexia (state manual): http://www.tea.state.tx.us/curriculum/elar/2007EnglishHan... (paste into your browser)

Your child has rights to the dysleia bundle (if he has been identified as dyslexic and/or recieves services for dyslexia) as outlined in the manual. Your child also has rights to the type of instruction he receives for reading intervention and he needs to receive this from a dyslexia or reading specialist that is trained in dyslexia intervention. The state is very specific about correct program design.

He also has at least 3 chances to take the TAKS test before a decision is made about going to grade 4 and if he does not pass the last one there is something called a grade placement committee (which you can be involved in) that actually decides whether or not your child will go on. Typically if a child is dyslexic and receiving services he should not be retained as retention generally does not aid in the educational process for children with dyslexia.

Please feel free to email with questions ____@____.com of the dyslexia process is complicated but there is a lot of support built into the TX system for those who are willing to push through the tape. There is no reason to not be able to get everything your child needs.

K.
www.readwithkary.com

I quit teaching 3rd grade almost 3 years ago to stay at home. So my advice is this. It is too late to have him tested at school this year for a dyslexia class because the TAKS test is so close, but go ahead and talk with his teacher about it anyway, so you can get that underway before this year ends, if he hasn't been tested already. He will have to take the test without help this year unless he has been working in small group throughout the year for his dyslexia. A teacher cannot just decide to read the test to a student unless that child has a special need identified by the school or he has been given special help throughout the year because of a special need. Talk with the teacher, conselor, and assistant principal(they are usually the person responsible for TAKS). Also, talk with the dyslexia teacher if there is one. Good luck!

I work as an Educational Diagnostician in TX. I understand that there is a Dylsexia Bundle of Accommodations allowed on the TAKS test. Has the school discussed this option with you?
DOes your school district have interventions available for students with Dyslexia?
Also, ARD meetings are only for students who are in special education. If your son is not in Special education, he might be 504 which also allows for accommodations in the classroom as needed.
If you have any questions, you can contact me.
Hope that helps.
J.

I am not sure if you are in the DFW area, but we live in Mesquite. MISD has a great program for dyslexic kiddos, my son is in the 2nd grade and was diagnosed this school year. He has a special pull-out class he goes to during the day for 45 minutes, just to help him with his dyslexia. We have also checked into Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas, they have the TOP rated dyslexia in the US. I actually went through their program in the late 80s and 90s. They chose to monitor Logan from a distance because Mesquite has such a great program. Anyway, my son has "special accomidations" at school. All that means is that he gets his tests and certain school work read to him aloud, especially word problems. And next year in the 3rd grade, when it gets time for TAKS, he will get an extra day and will get all of the questions read to him. They will pull all of the kiddos with dyslexia out and they will get to do the test together. I hope some of this helps, I totally understand how frustrating dealing with dyslexia can be, both from a parents point of view and from a kiddos point of view (I have dyslexia).

Hi A.,
Have you an an ARD with his school and asked for modifications on his TAKS test, if not, go to your school website and see if they have a dylexia department, then contact them and let them know this is urgent. My son is dyslexic and we have had modifications through out his school years to help him succeed.
Also, we have a parent support group that handles Southlake, Grapevine, Colleyville, NW School Dist. and HEB, plus other smaller groups.
Its' called NETCDC our website is: www.allcanread.net. This group has terrific resources. I hope this helps, T.

hi A. i would love to talk to you about dyslexia my son is five and is in kindergarten this year the teacher says she strongly believes he is dyslexic that he hits all the markers for it and gave me an application to scottish rite hospital but they wont me to wait until he is six to diagnosis him can you tell me the beginning signs of dyslexia i know he writes some of his numbers and abc's backwards he is having a really hard time you obviously have experience with dyslexia i know pretty much nothing there isnt much info on the internet any suggestions?i know u are on here trying to find an answer to your question so if you ever get a moment to respond that would be great good luck with the taks test!

Make sure that your son is receiveing the TAKS bundle.
He should be able to take the reading portion of the TAKS over two days instead of one and he will have the proper nouns read to him.

I teach dyslexic students in a public school and have experienced how having more time really makes a difference.

P.

When I was diagnosed with dyslexia between my third and fourth grade years, my Mother got me a tutor to teach me phonics. They really work. Dr. Elliot Stendig, http://www.seesuccess.com/ has a theory that also worked for me...the problem is visual and he added prisms to my glasses when I was in college which increased my reading ability dramatically. He is a local therapeutic Optometrist.

If your son has this special issue documented through the school they can read the test to him or give him other modifications.

Good luck! Many brilliant people are dyslexic and learning how deal with it when you are young will help you when you are in college.

Hope that helps.

I was worried too when my diagnosed dyslexic son had to take the TAKS. He was considered "Special Ed" and actually took an alternate test (SDAA or something like that). As someone else mentioned, it is too late if you do not already have that in place with the school, but make sure he is tested by the school. My son was tested by Scottish Rite but even their diagnosis wasn't good enough for the school district. They had to do their own testing to "verify" he indeed had dyslexia. Then, they did nothing to help him but feed him answers if he asked for help and then tried to say he was "cured" and wanted to test him out of the "program." Our district (CFBISD) isn't very knowledgeable (it seems)about dyslexia. And regarding failing the 3rd grade if TAKS test is failed...that is not true. They want you to think that, but it ultimately is a decision made by all parties involved (teachers, principal and parents). If you have specific questions email me... my son is now in 7th grade and doing really well without much help at all. While he will never be "cured" (gotta laugh at that one), he is learning to compensate and is an "A" student!

My info is not about dyslexia, but hopefully encouraging all the same. If your son doesn't pass on the first try I believe he will still be given 2 more tries after that. Hopefully you are in a school that has a special test catered to his reading difficulty, if not they are definitely out there and available. Best of luck to both you and him.

Don't worry! I am a former 3rd grade teacher, and if the children fail the TAKS they get a chance to take it over in a few months. Then if they fail that one, they get a chance to take it over in the summer. If they still fail, then a committee will meet with the teacher and administrators to decide if the child really needs to be held back or if they have a reason (dyslexia) that they are failing it!! He should be in a small group, and be able to use anything that he uses in the classroom on a daily basis. Of course it all has to Be recorded in his ARD - anything that he needs extra for his TAKS test.

Don't worry there are lots of loop holes!!

A., My son now 21 is dsylexic - he was diagnosed in 2nd grade. The state of texas has laws that says each school district must provide programs for this. And there should be allowances taken on any tests. My son was in a program where he had one to one help - an hour a day for 2-3-4th grade 5th - 6th grade it dropped to 3 times a week an hour each session. they taught him to spell phonetically (sp) to say the word and if it didn't sound right flip the letters. they also found that different colored transparencies laid over the written page also helped his mind flip the letters - my son's color was yellow or blue. He was put in what was called the 504 program during school and allowed to go to content mastery for tests and work when he got snowed under in the class room.
Don't stress about the test! Don't let him stress about the test! - again the school should be making some allowances for the learning disability.
there are lots of good places to go for help on the internet - start with the state of texas board of education website. Also, Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas has an excellant FREE program for kids with dyslexia.
Hope this helps!
S.

Being a licensed Special Ed. teacher, I have read many a test to students. Check with you districts special ed. department and see what allowances they make for students with dsylexicia. Sometimes the test can be read to the student or a group of students, or the student can read the test out loud to a teacher and it not be timed. I have sat next to students with dsylexcia and helped them with the reading only and the reading portions of the test were not timed.

Our school , though very small, our town is around 700 population, has a great program for different kind of reading disorders, and dsylexia . If your school doesn't have such a program, ask your county health nurse or some organization where such a program is, as they really help. Because these children are really smart, just have this reading problem, and in some places they give them a verbal test instead of a written one to see if they have the subject learned until they can get the help they need with dsylexia. I've seen programs where very smart succesful people struggled with this problem as a child, so be sure and let him know how smart he is and how others have overcame it, and that showed they were extra smart to have this problem and still be so succesful.

My youngest son is also dyslexic. My older son is ADHD. Please ask his teacher or school counselor about special modifications that can be done not only for the testing, but also for class work. The last thing you want is for him to get frustrated with school. Trust me that road is very long and hard. These modifications can follow him all the way through college. Please let me know if I need to look up the actual ##'s that go with these modifications. Hopefully, your school will be cooperative.

A.,
I also have a child with Dyslexia. She is 16 and a freshman in high school. Has your child had an ARD and does he have modifications for his work? My daughter has her math problems read to her because she is too slow when she reads them and she would never be able to finish her TAKS test. If he has not had an eval done or does not have any mods in place I strongly urge you to contact his counselor and see what if anything can be done before TAKS and for the future. It's a tough road but he will do alright once he learns to adapt for himself. My daughter did and has even made honor roll a couple of times and her Dyslexia is severe. Good luck!
M.
P.S. If you would like to call me send me a message and I will send my number back to you in a private message.

My son 14 and daughter 9 are both dyslexic. They are both in the MTA program and has done wonders for them. It takes alot of patience and repetitions to keep them up to the same levels everyone else is. Also they go to tutoring once a week in the afternoon. My son exited out of the MTA program and is doing great without it now. Just be patient and encourage him as much as you can. I know you know this but good luck.

A. please talk to your school!! Because you son has a "learning disablity" they have to make arrangements for him to the test at his skill level. Inform the school and they will be able to give him extra time so he can take the test at his speed. T.

The Medical Disablity act requires ALL schools to accomidate for you child. Generally they have children with Dsylexia take the test one on one with a teacher so that the teacher is able to read most of the thing orally to them and they are also alloted 2 days per subject instead of one. (504 paperwork would have this in it if you have gone through school testing)

If you child is not getting this, then contact the school immediately because they are breaking the law. Even if he is taking his tests this way, and it's not working, then they can adjust it so that he is able to take the test in a way that ables him to do the best he can and to his potential.

Start with the school counsler and she can help or refer you to someone in the school district that works with this. Look up your rights (via internet) in regards to the Medical Disbalities Act and be prepared to fight for what your child needs.

Have you had him tested in the school district? Odd enough, schools in Texas could care less if he was tested and diagnosed through the most advanced means and by the best doctors, they won't accept it unless he was diagnosed through the school system (stupid, I know). So if he hasn't had that done, do it. And unfortunately if you haven't had this done, they make you wait and 6-8 week waiting period to try other means of helping your child before they will test. I was there and was astonished to see such stupidity of professionals. My child needed help and was struggling in school and they wanted 8 more weeks of seeing her struggle before they would do anything.

Best of luck!

Hello A.,

Your son does not have to be in special education to have accommodations on the TAKS test. There is a dyslexic bundle they offer with the test as long as the your son has a formal diagnosis of dyslexia too. He is allowed to take the test over the course of two days. He can also have his math test read aloud to him. There are three levels at which he can have his math test read aloud to him. Level 3 is where the whole test can be read aloud to him. It is not too late to request this. I am a teacher and we just finished requesting the accommodations today.

Get the doctor or a schriner to refer him to Scottish Rite, they have a wonderful program to help with his Dsylexia.

My nephew was discovered to be dsylexic a few years ago, in 2nd or 3rd grade, and his dsylexia teacher suggested that he take the TAKS test in an alternative setting. He had the test read to him and then he answered the questions on paper. He passed his TAKS and is now in 6th grade and although I cannot say he is on the Honor Roll, he is a smart young man with a great attitude and works really hard for his grades. Talk with your son's teacher, school counselor, assistant principal, etc. to see what they can do to help accomodate him and make him successful. That is of course why they are working in education. I would bet that they have no problem helping him, you just need to be his advocate! Best of Luck!

There are some great private schools for kids with learning differences. We made huge sacrifices for our daughter to attend a school that not only helped her to read, but built the confidence and self esteem that she would not have gotten otherwise. You can get a book that will tell you about every private school in all of Dallas. We have had two children with LD, and it can get very difficult for them as they get older with out the right kind of help. My daughter is now 21 yrs.old and working on her teaching degree. She wants to help other kids. You know if he does have to repeat the 4th grade--it might be a blessing for the future. Middle school and high school can very over whelming.
About me--Happily married for 24yrs with 5 children ranging from 11 to 21.
Hang in there and enjoy life.
M. Carnes

My 5th grade boy has dyslexia also. He was in the alphaphonics class at school which has helped tremendously. He was given longer to complete the TAKS test, they broke it up and they also have accomodations for the dyslexic students to have the questions read to them. This year I found out that they have 3 chances to pass the test before they hold them back, 2 times during the spring and the 3rd time would be in summer school should they not pass the first 2 times. The teachers are really willing to work with the students to help them all succeed. As long as the teachers are aware of the situation they will do everything they can to help him. If he is not in the alphaphonics program I would suggest to his teachers that he be put in it, they will also help to make other accomodations for him too. I hope this helps.

I am sure the school is aware of his Dsylexia. They should find accommodations for him,if he is severe enough to have a need. If they have benchmarked tested him on a releasted TAKS test then the results should be available. If he did not do well, talk to his teacher and find out about extra tutorials or what you can do at home to help him prepare. If he is in Special Education you could call an ARD meeting to discuss this.

Hi A., I have a son who is almost and is dyslexic. Although I homeschool, my husband is a public elementary school teacher. He told me that for children with learning disabilities like dyslexia that the TAKS test can be given orally. You might want to look into that with his school. I hope that is helpful.

My son was just diagnosed dyslexic and he will have some help taking the taks test.Are you sure your son won't have help? Just curious I live in texas and since he has dyslexia they get help here on the taks test and have three times to take this test.

A. if he has been diagnosed as Dyslexic the school is required to provide assistance with the taks test and if they do not they cannot hold him back simply because of the test. You need to request an IMMEDIATE ARD/504 meeting with his school. They are required to have this meeting and to include you in it to help give your son the resources he needs. DO NOT let the school blow you off or try to tell you that they don't have time. It is required by the federal IDEA act that they have this meeting and accomodate his disability.

You should get in contact with the Northeast Tarrant Dyslexia Council. Their website is www.allcanread.net. They have meetings and training for both parents and teachers to help with dyslexia. They also know about so many resources that are available to you. I highly recommend that you check out their website, get added to their email list, and attend a meeting. They are very supportive.

A.,

I don't know a lot about the public schools, because we homeschool. But a friend of mine reacently told me that your child does not HAVE to pass the TAKS test. They lead you to believe that, but a parent can insist that a child be promoted to the next grade. She said the only exception was the 8th grade TAKS test, that they do have to pass that one. Just something to look into. Especially if he is doing well in school and the TAKS is the only thing holding him back.

I don't know much about dsylexia but, my 3 year old has dispraxia...... Sometimes they think words sound the same and are the same. My daughter sayd (open) and (abby) she thinks they are the same.
Have you did any research on dyslexia and talked to his doctor about the dsylexia? Just try to work with him. I am sure that he is a very smart little boy just like my daughter. I wish you the best. Let me knoiw how it goes....

I too went through school with dyslexia. Most of my teachers would let me take the test on a sheet of paper instead of a scan tron. The scan tron tests always messed me up with all the letters and circles to fill in. They all would run together or I was sure I would be marking B when I really marked C. Go to his teachers or counseler to see what kind of special provisions that can be made. Dyslexia can be very discouraging because you try so hard for average grades, somtimes it's easier to stop trying. Also, you can try to use see through red, yellow, blue, or green sheets over what he is reading. The red helped me. You might be able to find them in teachers supply store or craft store. Best of luck!

Hi A.,

A friend of mine, her daugher had some sort of learning disability, nothing major but she was allowed to take the test in a special classroom w/ help & I am almost 100% positive that she didn't have to pass in order to be promoted. You might want to check with the counselor to see if he is qualified for the exeption. He also has several chances to take the test before the school year ends.

Good Luck!
E.

Hi, A.,

Talk to your son's counselor at school. Special needs students are not supposed to be held back because of the TAKS (which is on its way out, thank God!). All students are under tremendous stress because of the TAKS and your son is not alone. Please do talk to your son's counselor, though, as soon as possible to alleviate his and your anxieties.

D.

A., have the whole family pray together for your little one. Ask the teacher for recommendations on what you can do together with your beloved son. Above all, pray and believe.

I see you already have recieved lots of info. about 504 classification and Individual Education Plans (IEP).

I want to make sure that you realize that although all students in 3rd grade are supposed to pass the TAKS reading in order to be promoted to 4th, there is a loophole (as usual in public education). Some have already mentioned it. Every student has 3 chances to take the test. The third being during summer school. If the student still doesn't pass there will be a meeting called between the principal, a teacher, and the student's parents. This committee can decide to promote the child. Your child sounds like he would be promoted.

However, if he isn't recieving special services (accomodations) within the school for his dyslexia, you need to get with the school on that asap. If they are dragging their feet, don't hesitate to take it to the superintendant. I can't imagine this would be the case since the school benefits when the students do well on TAKS. Good Luck.

I would make sure you've talked to his school and teachers. For many students with special education needs, they take an alternate test or have a modified administration (questions read outloud, seperate room, or others). (I'm a music teacher and have often been the one sitting in the room with one kid testing alone.) The school should be doing everything they can to help him do his best on the test. Good luck!

My son, now 14, 8th grade, has Dsylexia. I've fought with many situations within his schools to get proper care. What you need to do is make sure you have him listed as "special ed", I know that is a very hard step, but trust me it is well worth your time. Then have his doctor sign him up under the 501(?) program (Sorry, it has been since 2nd grd on the official name of this). This will allow you to monitor, have ARD Meetings, set his program up within his classes to assure he is getting what he needs, tutoring, smaller assignments, that you can control as he improves his reading skills. This also allows him to be pulled into a smaller group to take his TAKS test, it is given by a teacher, some read to him, not so overwhelming in the reading side.

Please do this immediately. Schools take their time on this and yes they will fight you all the way. You see, they are given a set amount of money for Special Ed students, what they don't spend, the school keeps and they spend it on other things. Don't give up, fight, fight, fight!!!! Go to your states regulation if need be, I had to!.... Your child has no one but you to help fight for him but you. Unless you get it under control now, it will only get worse.

My son's school has a program for this and I can now proudly say he is out of the system, they have him up to his class grade level in reading, he is a A B honor student and takes the standard test (last year he failed it by 2 points, but it wasn't manditory like it will be this yr like your son's). He has been being helped again, showing him different routes to learn, one will click with your child too. It just has to be the one that works for him, it may take two, three tries, but keep after it, it will pay off. He took his pre-test just this week, he said he made a 71, which the teachers/counselors think he will be able to pass it this year.

Stay strong, this will take a toll on you mentally and physically... but it will pay off!!

Good Luck!

You might ask if he qualifies for the "Special Ed" TAKS. Although, I have heard that PISD does not hold their students back if they do not pass the TAKS. You might also want to look into a specialized private school like Great Lakes Academy, to help your son with his Dyslexia. They also do a great job at building self-esteem.

IS the school working with your 4th grader now? One thing I would recommend is having him in a classsroom or room by him self because the distractions are WAY less. My daughter re took the TAKS test last year and the 2nd time we put in an office with one other student and she did awesome.

I responded to A. privately similar to your statements here, everyone.

I do want to point out that you can't usually walk in and obtain accomodations on TAKS without first having a standing 504 or IEP in place. The educational plan must specify accomodations that are like the bundle - you can't evoke something that isn't already in use in the general classroom. So it is very important to have the 504 plan specify the help your child needs from the onset, then you can indicate whether or not the bundled accomodations will be used for testing.

A parent in RISD/Parent Leader of our dyslexia group*
* btw, every school district in TX is required to have a parent's group and to educate about identification as well as TAKS bundling.

Since his is diagnosed with Dyslexia, he is in "Special Education" I assume. Are they modifying for him?

I am a JH sped teacher. Does your child fall into the sped unmbrella and is being serviced by sped right now? If so, if he does not pass the ARD committee can vote to promote him.

Something the schools don't tell you is that your son gets 3 chances to pass the TAKS test. (I only learned this from being a substitute teacher!) If he doesn't pass it the first time he will get tutoring at school for a couple of months and take it again, if he doesn't pass it that time he will get more tutoring and take it again in the summer. Also, because your child has dyslexia he should qualify for some modifications on his work at school, if he does he should also have the same modifications on the TAKS test, possibly somebody reading it to him while he answers the questions.
Also, let me say since I've been through the TAKS test for several years with my 7th grade daughter, I can assure you the tests are actually MUCH easier than the practice ones they do at school. So, don't stress over the test and absolutely don't let your son get stressed out! Tell him to take his time, read carefully, and answer the best he can. Make sure he also knows he will get more chances if he doesn't pass it. It pisses me off that the teachers tell the kids they won't move up a grade and won't be with their friends anymore if they don't pass it, that is way too much stress on a kid!

I am a social worker and deal with children who have learning diabilities. Your child may have or may not have been tested by the school that your son is attending. Dyslexia is also related to ADHD/ADD. They overlap a lot. Your son needs to be tested if he has not been. The schools hate to spend money but it is your legal right to ensure that your son is receiving the best of care in the school. You need to write a letter and hand carry it to the school principal or counselor rquesting that your son be tested for learning disabilities. They must respond in thirty days. If not you can make a report to the Advocacy, Inc 1-800-880-2884. With dyslexia, modifications should be made under the special education services. This doesn't mean your child is mentally disabled but will need extra help to be successful in the classroom. Even your son fails the Taks test. you still can have him tested. after the testing, a meeting will be held and then you can discuss whehter or not he will return to the third or go to the fourth grade. Its still a ways before school is out. This must be done. If you fail to contact the school about testing, they your son will not benefit for the rest of his academic life. Advocacy inc will guide you. Many schools in texas have had law suits against them because they have allowed our children to fall between the cracks. I have had teaching expereince in the regular and special education classroom. J. W

I am not sure what school disrict you are in, but if you ask your teacher, they should have some options on how he can take the test...like he could have extra time or the teacher can read it out to him. The schools are graded on how the kids score on the tests, so they should be more then willing to help out. My two oldest have Dsylexia and we are in Plano schools.

S.

Hi A.,

I have a son that is dsylexic as well. We did not find out until last year when he was in the 6th grade.. The school that your son attends should give him a longer time to take the test as well as someone should be helping him read the reading paragraphs out loud to him. I would check with his school and see if they have modified his classes as well as his time for his dsylexia. My son also attends a MTA class at his school to help out. There are several siminars that teach parents how to deal with dsylexia in the household.. Again check with your childs school to see if anything is offered..

Has he been officially tested for dsylexia? If so - the school (I would assume) SHOULD make special arrangements for him. Good luck.

I believe Scottish Rite does it automatically in dyslexia screening - but if your son hasn't already been tested for scotopic sensitivity (Irlen) syndrome, you might do that first. My DD was 'dyslexic' until she got tinted transparencies.

Irlen.com

You may consider taking your son to Sylvan Learning Center of another tuotr. My daughter has dyslexia and she is at Shelton School to learn decodong skills but I also have her at a tutoring place to increase her reading skills. I hope he is on a plan at his school and can take as much time as he needs to take the TAKS. Have you had an ARD meeting to plan his future classesx and to give him additional help? They should be able to assist him and you in preparing for the test.

Hi A.,

I know how hard it is to see your bright child struggle with school. My own daughter has dyslexia. But, I want to encourage you that from 6th grade on, she was in all honors classes. As you know, dyslexic children are typically blessed with a really high IQ. That helps then compensate, but also, they are more prone to boredom. You will have to watch for that. My daughter did better if she read aloud or had the tests read to her. Just a thought. By the way...she graduated as an honor grad last year and is in her first year of college and made the deans list without any assistance. Hope this helps!

Your son should get a special dyslexia test and he should be put in a small group setting for his test. He also will have three chances to pass the test. Also, even if he does not pass, you as his parent can promote him to the next grade. They don't let a lot of,people know about that, but it is there. Have him get a good night sleep and a good breakfast before. Have him think of a happy place so if he gets nervous he can take a short, silent break. Good Luck and I hope he does well.

Scottish Rite has everything you need! Get a referral and they will totally help you.

You need to request the Dyslexia Bundle for them. This allows them 2 half days to take their tests. Our district does this through the 7the grade and it has proven itself to be an extreme positive in testing scores AND in self-esteem for the kiddos.

S. T.

I am guessing the school is aware of his dyslexia and has an IEP in place? He is protected with an IEP. They have to make the necessary accommodations to help him succeed. I do not see how they can hold him back if his disability is being addressed. The school wants him to succeed as much as you do, so be sure you are addressing this with them.

Hope this helps.

You might try speaking with the principal about him taking his test in an alternative way if he needs things read to him ect. it can be done, as long as you have medical proof that he is Dsylexia.

A.,
If your son has been tested for Dsylexia and is indeed Dsylexic, the school is required to make accomodations for that. You need to be sure that the school has recognized him as Dsylexic. (It will be too late to fix this for this year if it is not already done.) He will have to take the TAKS test, and he will have to do the reading, but he can have the questions and answer choices read to him. If he does not pass it is NOT the end. He will have three chances to try to pass, and then a committee MUST meet - including you - to discuss whether to pass him on to the next grade or not. If he makes good grades, you and his teacher should discuss and agree on whether he needs to remain in the 3rd, or move on to the 4th grade.
Another thing to you can try - see if the transparent color overlay sheets might help. Some students benefit from a color instead of the plain white page.
SL - Math Teacher

My son is also Dsylexia, he has been thru the Dsylexia program at his school and has done great. If your son is in the Dsylexia program at school the TAKs test should be broken up for him, and he will have an assistant there for him if needed ( to help read the material ect. not to give the answers). I would talk to his teacher and his Dsylexia Teacher (if he has one). Good luck.

Your son's school should have a modified environment for him to take the test in. According to the state if he is diagnosed dyslexic then he should get 2 days to take the test and that should help him to slow down and take his time. Giving him that flexibility should help him stress a little less. Good luck I am sure he will do fine.