Dyslexia under IDEA

HB 3928, passed in 2023, provides a number of requirements related to dyslexia, including classifying dyslexia as a specific learning disability under IDEA, for which provision of an evidence-based dyslexia program is considered a special education service.

Providers of dyslexia instruction (PDI) are not required to hold special education certification unless the local school district employs the PDI in a position that requires the certification, but all dyslexia instructors must be fully trained in the local school district’s adopted evidence-based dyslexia program and instructional materials for students with dyslexia. Further, because paraprofessionals must work under the supervision of teachers, TEA says a paraprofessional cannot be the person providing instruction to students in the evidence-based dyslexia program. The PDI is required to be involved in the development and implementation of the student’s individualized education program (IEP).

Even PDIs who are not certified special education teachers can be paid through federal or state special education funds because they are providing instruction through an evidence-based dyslexia program that is considered a special education service required in order to provide a free and appropriate public education and is documented in the IEP. 

When dyslexia is suspected, one of the following persons must serve on the local school district’s multidisciplinary team and any ARD committee that is convened to determine eligibility for special education and related services: 

• A licensed dyslexia therapist (LDT);
• An individual who holds the most advanced dyslexia-related certification issued by an association recognized by the State Board of Education, and identified in, or substantially similar to an association identified in, either the rules or Dyslexia Handbook adopted by the SBOE; or
• If neither of the first two is available, an individual who meets applicable SBOE-adopted training requirements.