DYSLEXIA

Definition of Dyslexia

In accordance with Indiana’s Senate Enrolled Act 217, MSD of Martinsville will screen students in grades K, 1, and 2 for signs of dyslexia every school year. Students in second grade will start testing in October. First grade will be tested before winter break, and kindergarten will be given the tests before the end of the school year. Regardless of the previous year’s results, students must be tested every year. Once the tests have been administered, a committee will review the results to determine next steps for those who may be at-risk and need additional support, interventions and testing. This process will not identify dyslexia; however, it will serve as a plan of action to help students with reading difficulties. Letters will be sent out to those who need to be referred for further testing. General Characteristics of Dyslexia Across the Lifespan: A person with dyslexia struggles with reading and spelling. Dyslexia is a neurological disability with certain characteristics. Every child develops language, reading, and writing at different rates due to numerous factors. The characteristics listed, while well known to indicate dyslexia, should not be used solely to diagnose it. These dyslexia characteristics range from mild to severe. Dyslexia may be genetic in nature, meaning a person with dyslexia may have a sibling or other relative with dyslexia.