Students with dyslexia

Children with dyslexia have a learning disability that makes it harder to read, write and spell. But with help from teachers and staff that is required by law they can overcome their problems and become productive students.

School staff should be aware of the common symptoms of dyslexia and test students who exhibit them, because testing is the only way diagnose it.

Schools should apply a team approach to teaching dyslexic students, involving parents, special education teachers, speech pathologists, psychologists and other caregivers.

Academic modifications may be necessary, such as giving dyslexic students additional time to complete a test or providing them with books on tape.

Dyslexic students can also benefit from having an organized classroom, so keep the noise levels and clutter down, have homework assignments and lesson plans written clearly on the board.

Be aware of the legal rights of your students. The Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act requires schools to provide public education to students with disabilities, including dyslexia.