Texas adds unique layers to federal IDEA rules for identifying Specific Learning Disabilities—especially dyslexia. This post explains why Texas requires specialized dyslexia expertise on evaluation teams, mandatory early screening, and detailed procedures outlined in the Texas Dyslexia Handbook. Learn how these state-specific rules ensure students receive evidence-based instruction and full special education protections.

When is a learning challenge not a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)? This post explains the crucial “exclusionary” and “determinant” factors under IDEA and Texas law—such as vision, hearing, environment, and instruction—that evaluation teams must rule out before identifying an SLD. Understanding these safeguards ensures accurate diagnoses and that students receive the right supports for their true learning needs.

Behind every accurate Special Learning Disability (SLD) identification is a team of educators and specialists analyzing data to understand how a student learns. This post explains the importance of documentation, collaboration, and data review in the SLD evaluation process under IDEA and Texas law—helping ensure students receive the right support and services to meet their individual learning needs.

Identifying a Specific Learning Disability (SLD) involves more than test scores—it’s a data-driven process that looks at how a student learns and responds to instruction. This post explains how schools use models like Response to Intervention (RTI) and Patterns of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) to determine eligibility under IDEA and Texas law, ensuring students receive the right support to meet their unique learning needs.

Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) like dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia affect how the brain processes language, reading, writing, and math—but not intelligence or effort. This post breaks down what SLD really means under IDEA and Texas law, which conditions are included, and why clear identification matters. Understanding these differences is the first step toward effective advocacy and support for your child’s learning needs.

It’s parent-teacher conference season—and for many families, those meetings raise big questions. Is your child just struggling, or could it be a learning disability like dyslexia or dysgraphia? This post explains how schools identify Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD), what “evaluation” and “intervention” really mean, and how parents in Texas can advocate for accurate identification and support.