Parent/Guardian Dyslexia Newsletter

Welcome to the bi-annual newsletter for parents and guardians of children with dyslexia or related disorders in Dripping Springs ISD. In this newsletter, we share who we are, how we can help including sharing resources, and celebrate the accomplishments of our children. You may want to bookmark this newsletter in order to refer back to the wealth of information. Enjoy!

A number of staff support students with Dyslexia and Related Disorders in Dripping Springs ISD, and each campus has at least one teacher trained in a multi-sensory structured literacy program. Standard protocol dyslexia instruction is provided in DSISD using either Basic Language Skills from Neuhaus (elementary) or Reading By Design from the Education Service Center, Region 4 (secondary). To the right is a recent picture of some of the district and campus staff that provide this support. Staff pictured include: (top left to right) Kari Hibdon, Special Services Department; Michelle McCoy, DSMS; Erin Cruz, RSES; Eri Contreras, Special Services Department; Hillary Armstrong, DSES; Krissy May, WSES; (bottom left to right) Jena Walker, DSHS; Shannon Voges, Learning & Innovation Department (former dyslexia teacher at WSES); Sandy Barron, WSES; Debbie Ackman, RSES; Kallie McIver, SSMS.

Contact information and roles for each can be found on the district website or by clicking this LINK.

The team of professionals supporting students with dyslexia at each campus work hard to ensure students are empowered and embrace their learning differences through a variety of campus activities. Many of these activities highlight student strengths and recent accomplishments, showcase successful people who have dyslexia, and share with campus staff about facts and myths surrounding dyslexia.

Below are three displays of celebration from Dripping Springs Elementary School.

Dripping Springs High School had 22 students participate in Learning Ally’s Great Reading Games this past January and February. This was the first time DSHS entered the games competition. Students were asked to read a self selected book for 20 minutes each class. Ms. Jena Walker, who led the event, said, "It was a wonderful experience to watch my students read, get excited, and be competitive about their place each week. We tracked progress using the bulletin board outside the classroom and the kids picked a character to keep their anonymity." The final standings were:

Place = 20th (started in 180th place)

Total Score = 71,584

Pages Read = 5,261

20 minute reading days = 146

The resources below provide both foundational knowledge and opportunities to extend learning about dyslexia and how services look in Texas. Parents and guardians new to dyslexia or wanting to learn more and how to support their children at home are encouraged to access the links below.

• TEA Dyslexia Fact Sheet for Families
• International Dyslexia Association
• Dyslexia Program Awareness for Educators and Parents
• Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home, Regional Educational Laboratory
• National Center on Improving Literacy

Research suggests when students with dyslexia and related disorders have access to effective technology, their overall performance improves. Technology has many benefits for students with reading difficulties, and the opportunity to access rich content ranks at the top. Technology tools allow students with dyslexia to be equal participants in school-based learning experiences. Kellie Martini, DSISD's Assistive Technology Specialist, has developed a webpage that provides parents a wealth of information regarding technology provided in DSISD. Check out the website by selecting the link below or clicking on the picture to the right. Be sure to view the information under the Co-Writer & Snap&Read tab and the Accessible Books tab!

https://sites.google.com/dsisdtx.us/dsisdparentatresources/home?authuser=0

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 required school districts to make policy, procedure, and practice changes.

The updated Texas Dyslexia Handbook, linked below, is in effect as of February 10th, 2022. You can access the handbook by clicking on the picture to the top right or selecting the link below.

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders

The district dyslexia team hosted our annual Dyslexia Parent Information Night on October 27, 2021. If you didn't have an opportunity to participate in the Parent Night last October, the link below will take you to a recording of the evening with supporting resources. The focus was about understanding dyslexia and how to support students with social emotional learning, reading and writing development, assistive technology, and post secondary tips.

You can access the recording by clicking on the picture to the top right or selecting the link below.

https://dsisd.instructure.com/courses/17511

Here are a few of our favorite resources that can be accessed online. You may need to create an account in order to use them. Be sure to reach out to your child's teacher for tips on use or for additional resources to support student learning at home.

Keyboarding

Dance Mat Typing: https://www.dancemattypingguide.com/

Spelling & Vocabulary

Vocabulary Spelling City: https://www.spellingcity.com/spelling-games-vocabulary-games.html

PBS Kids https://pbskids.org/games/vocabulary/

Comprehension

Read Works: https//readworks.org

Wonderopolis: https://wonderopolis.org/

Apps are fun and motivating for kids and below are a few of our favorites! Again, be sure to reach out to your child's teacher for tips on use or for additional resources.

Email: kari.hibdon@dsisdtx.us
Website: dsisdtx.us
Location: 510 West Mercer Street, Dripping Springs, TX, USA
Phone: 512-858-3066