Blog Posts

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month

10/8/2017

Thank you Gov. Henry McMaster
For proclaiming October as Dyslexia Awareness Month in South Carolina!

We encourage all South Carolinians to recognize the benefits of early identification and effective teaching in SC schools so dyslexic students can learn to read.
#DyslexiaAwarenessMonth

Participants Needed for a Reading Study

7/13/2017

Professor Allison Stafford is a School Psychology Doctoral Student at the University of South Carolina she is currently in the middle of a study looking at the different ways that students think, specifically for students with learning disabilities. This study will help develop better ways to identify and help students with learning disabilities. They are recruiting students with learning disabilities in reading, (Dyslexia) between the ages of 7 and 12 to take part in this short study. Participants in the study will be paid $50 for their time. Please contact her at Allison Stafford staffoa@email.sc.edu (803)777-6145

You Asked! Why don't they use the term?

5/17/2017

You Asked!
What can I do?

IEP Team states they don’t use the terms
“dyslexia”, “dysgraphia” or “dyscalculia” in student’s IEP.

A: IDEA requires that the IEP Team tailor specially designed instruction to specifically meet the individual needs of the student. As Specific Learning Disability is an umbrella term, the IEP Team needs to carefully document all areas of deficits. If the student exhibits characteristics of dyslexia, dysgraphia, or dyscalculia it is important that these areas of need are specified in the IEP.
The U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) encourages States to review their policies, procedures and practices to ensure that they do not prohibit the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia in evaluations, eligibility, and IEP documents. Finally, in ensuring the provision of Free and Appropriate Public Education, USDOE stressed the importance of addressing the unique educational needs of children with specific learning disabilities resulting from dyslexia, dyscalculia, or dysgraphia during IEP meetings and other meetings with parents under IDEA (Source: OSERS Dear Colleague Letter October 23rd, 2015). To download a complete copy of this letter, click HERE.

B. To ensure that local educational agencies (LEAs) in South Carolina were aware of this guidance, the South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE), Office of Special Education Services (OSES), issued a memorandum to LEAs on December 15, 2015. This memorandum provided the “Dear Colleague” letter, and reinforced that nothing within state regulations, policies, or procedures prohibited the use of “dyslexia” or other identified terms in IEPs. The December 15, 2015, memorandum referenced State Board of Education Regulation which provides the definition of specific learning disabilities, which may include conditions such as dyslexia that may qualify a child for services under the IDEA as long as the child has been (1) evaluated in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 300.304-§ 300.311 and SBE R. 43-243, and (2) found eligible using the criteria listed at 34 C.F.R. § 300.8 and SBE R. 43-243.1. (Source: Recent OSEP Guidance on Dyslexia December 15, 2015)
On May 26, 2016, Governor Nikki R. Haley signed a Joint Resolution (R209, H5024) requiring the SCDE to provide all kindergarten through grade three literacy coaches and teachers with training on dyslexia and related reading disorders, evidence-based screenings, instructional methods, and interventions before the beginning of the 2016–17 school year. A copy of the Resolution may be found as Appendix A. The Resolution also required the SCDE to submit a report to the General Assembly by October 1, 2016. The SCDE is pleased to provide this report. (Source: Dyslexia Final Report-2016 Dyslexia Training as Required by Joint Resolution H5024)
http://www.decodingdyslexiasc.com

Dyslexia Conference on Oct 22nd

8/31/2016

Please help get the word out about this incredible Conference on Oct. 22nd.

Laura Cassidy is one of the pioneers in Dyslexia awareness and support. She will be our key note speaker. On top of that, we will have different breakout sessions that will range from ways teachers can implement strategies in the classroom to how parents can advocate for their child who struggles with dyslexia. We will have a list of breakout sessions at registration.

This conference is free, and lunch will be provided, so we have made it easy for many to attend. It is a great opportunity to help our dyslexic students gain confidence and encouragement, as we push to make a difference for our children!
Decoding Dyslexia Mountain Lakes:

SIGN UP TODAY
Eventbrite:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/decoding-dyslexia-mountain-lakes-conference-tickets-26901512147?aff=eac2

Dyslexia and the transition to college

8/18/2016

Everyone is welcome! Elizabeth Hamblet will be talking about preparing students with disabilities for a successful transition to college. LINK: http://www.ldadvisory.com/presentations/charleston/

Decoding Dyslexia-Mountain Lakes Conference

8/11/2016

The Decoding Dyslexia Mountain Lakes Conference is designed for parents and teachers who want to know more about how to help their children, students, and friends who struggle with dyslexia. The conference will focus on education, gaining tools to help students who have dyslexia, and help create a network of resources for all involved with dyslexia education. The conference will be free. Laura Cassidy, wife of US Senator Bill Cassidy, Louisiana, will be the keynote speaker, as well as many other top dyslexia scholars and advocates in South Carolina. The Cassidy's have transformed Washington by promoting legislation for dyslexia and even founding a school for dyslexic children in Baton Rogue, called Key Academy. We look forward to you attending this first of its kind conference in the upstate of South Carolina!
WHEN
Saturday, October 22, 2016 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (EDT) - Add to Calendar
WHERE
5 Point Church - 1600 East Main Street, Easley, SC 29640 - View Map

SC Preparing to meet the needs of students

8/10/2016

South Carolina Department of Education’s Offices of Special Education Services and Early Learning and Literacy have created a series of three video training modules for educators about Dyslexia.

Module one: Dyslexia – What is it and What Do We Know about It?
Module Two: How Do We Screen for Dyslexia and Other Reading Disorders?
Module Three: Evidence-Based Instruction for Students with Dyslexia.

Link: http://ed.sc.gov/newsroom/news-releases/reading-disorder-trainings-provided-to-educators/

Say Dyslexia Rally July 11, 2016 in Washington DC

6/9/2016

We are so excited to bring people together in celebration of the progress made for people with dyslexia. We are taking dyslexia awareness from our local schools to our nation's capitol.

We stand together on Capitol Hill as a community to honor both legislative and awareness gains made at the federal, state and local levels, while recommitting our efforts to the future of positive change for individuals with dyslexia in our schools, communities, and country.

Dyslexia Training Required before SC School Year 2016-2017

6/6/2016

South Carolina Joint Resolution H.5024

5/16/2016

JOINT RESOLUTION
TO REQUIRE THAT BEFORE THE 2016-2017 SCHOOL YEAR, THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SHALL PROVIDE ALL READING/LITERACY COACHES AND LITERACY TEACHERS WITH TRAINING ON DYSLEXIA, INCLUDING EVIDENCE-BASED DYSLEXIA SCREENING, INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS, AND INTERVENTIONS; AND TO IMPOSE RELATED REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ON THE DEPARTMENT.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Before the beginning of the 2016-2017 school year, the State Department of Education shall provide training to all literacy coaches and literacy teachers in kindergarten through grade three on:
(1) dyslexia and related reading disorders and their prevalence, using the internationally accepted definition from the International Dyslexia Association;
(2) the use of evidence-based screening tools for dyslexia and other reading disorders that are age-appropriate and evaluate, as appropriate, the following skills:
(a) phonological and phonemic awareness;
(b) sound symbol recognitions;
(c) alphabet knowledge;
(d) decoding and encoding skills; and
(e) rapid naming skills; and
(3) evidence-based, multi-sensory, instructional methods and interventions designed specifically for students with dyslexia and other reading disorders.
SECTION 2. Before October 1, 2016, the State Department of Education shall provide the Senate Education Committee and the House Education and Public Works Committee a report:
(1) describing the specific training used by the department to satisfy the requirements of this joint resolution; and
(2) stating the number and percentage of literacy coaches in kindergarten through grade three and the number and percentage of literacy teachers in kindergarten through grade three who successfully completed the training.
SECTION 3. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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