In 2023, the Texas Legislature defined dyslexia as a learning disability, which means students with dyslexia are now covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and are required to have access to special education services.
By this summer, all students with dyslexia – whether they’re newly diagnosed or if they’ve been receiving Section 504 accommodations at school – are required to have access to special education services. However, a parent can decide to not pursue special education services for their child.
Students who receive special education services have an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that documents their goals and the specific special education services that are required for them to be successful. The IEP is created by a team that includes the student’s parent(s), teachers, school administrators, and other professionals with knowledge about the student or about dyslexia. This team is called the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee.
To learn more about special education services, see Is Special Education Right for My Child?.
Think your child has dyslexia? Request an evaluation.
All students in Texas are screened for dyslexia in kindergarten and first grade, but a student can be evaluated at any time if they are suspected of having dyslexia. If you think your child has dyslexia – or any other disability – you can request the school evaluate your child to see if they’re eligible to receive special education services. Read How to Request an Initial Evaluation for Special Education Eligibility to learn about the process and what you need to do.