Indiana Code 20-35.5 et. seq., as created by SEA 217 (2018) requires schools to screen all students in kindergarten through second grade. If students are identified as “at risk” or “at some risk” for dyslexia, then the Indiana Code requires that schools provide tiered interventions to address the needs of these students. 

The definition for dyslexia in Indiana law is as follows: 

’Dyslexia’ means a specific learning disability that: 

(1) is neurological in origin and characterized by: difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and poor spelling and decoding abilities;

(2) typically results from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction;

(3) may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and

(4) may require the provision of special education services after an eligibility determination is made in accordance with 511 IAC 7-40.

________________________________________________________________________

Please click on Indiana Department of Education (IDOE)’s dyslexia website

https://www.in.gov/doe/students/indiana-academic-standards/literacy/dyslexia/ to access dyslexia resources.

_________________________________________________________________________

In accordance with the requirements of Indiana SEA 217, each school year, Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation will utilize an approved universal screener to identify students who may be “at risk” or “at some risk” for dyslexia in grades kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Per the Indiana Department of Education, “The universal screener is an assessment for understanding students’ literacy performance, both strengths and areas of concern. Universal screeners focus on specific areas and are typically brief, but determine those students who are “at some risk” or “at risk”. Universal screeners are used for the initial screening of students shall include the following, as determined to be developmentally appropriate, for each student”:

1. Phonological and phonemic awareness

2. Sound symbol recognition

3. Alphabet knowledge

4. Decoding skills

5. Rapid naming

6. Encoding skills

_________________________________________________________________________

In accordance with the requirements of Indiana Code 20-32-8.5, each school corporation shall annually report the following information prior to July 15 each year. The information below is for Lawrenceburg Community School Corporation:

1) The number of students who were administered the universal screener: For the 2023-2024 School Year – 458

2)  The total number of students identified as being “at-risk” or “at some risk”for dyslexia during the previous school year: For the 2023-2024 School Year –  91 students were identified as being “at-risk” or “at some risk” for the characteristics of dyslexia.  

3) The dyslexia interventions that were used during the previous school year: For the 2023-2024 School Year – Orton Gillingham.

4)  The number of students during the previous school year who received dyslexia interventions: For the 2023-2024 School Year – 91 students received dyslexia interventions

5)  The total number of students identified with dyslexia during the previous school year - 8 students were identified with dyslexia