This phenomenological study explored how five participants used their Texas state-approved definition of dyslexia to identify children with dyslexia as different from those with other global reading difficulties. Drawing on theories from disability studies in education and dis/ability critical race theory, I interviewed participants who identified…

Although researchers have studied dyslexia for over a century, there is still much debate about how dyslexia differs from other reading difficulties and how to support students labeled dyslexic. Nevertheless, dyslexia policy and practice are steeped in authoritative discourse that speaks of a definitive definition, unique characteristics, and…

This brief report summarizes research on dyslexia. It is intended to provide an initial look at this common type of learning disability that impacts 1 in 5 students. Included in the brief are links to the original source material and to supplementary resources and videos to learn more.

The issue of underrepresentation in gifted and talented (GT) programs has developed into a critical educational concern. At the core are ambiguous identification assessment practices, especially for bilingual students. To illustrate, this article reports data from the last decade that supports the underrepresentation of gifted Hispanic bilingual…

This guide for parents of gifted children in Texas is intended to provide general information and sources of additional help. Section 1 examines the meaning of being gifted and talented and provides the Texas definition of giftedness, lists of characteristics and concomitant problems of gifted and talented children, and a discussion of the highly…

This manual provides information on identification and recruitment of migrant students for practitioners at all levels, and can function as both a training document and a reference tool. The identification and recruitment process consists of three interrelated elements: (1) definitions governing migrant program eligibility; (2) the process…

Texas' policies and administrative procedures for special education are set forth. General special education concerns are covered, such as definitions of 12 exceptionalities, administrative structures, and planning and evauation approaches. Child identification, individual assessment, and individual educational plan development and review are…

The Texas Interagency Council on Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) serves 23,000 children a year and funds 71 comprehensive programs and 12 Milestones programs throughout Texas. Comprehensive programs offer a variety of services to help families who have babies and toddlers with disabilities or delays, providing services in the home or integrated…

Four technical assistance papers developed by Texas' Joint Task Force on Emotional Disturbance comprise this manual. The first paper, "Definition of Emotional Disturbance," is intended to clarify federal regulations and Texas State Board of Education rules on identifying emotionally disturbed students. Specific citations from appropriate…

The document contains the Texas state plan for the education of the gifted/talented and principles and criteria for local school district program development. The state plan includes a section on background, a position statement, the state definition of gifted/talented students, and a statement of goal and objective. Responsibilities and…

This handbook, available in English and Spanish, contains the Texas State Board of Education's approved procedures concerning dyslexia and related disorders and information regarding the state's dyslexia statutes and their relation to the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Chapters…

Intended for parents of children with possible disabilities in Texas, these two combined booklets (one in English and one in Spanish) outline the step-by-step process qualifying the child for special education services and explain the parent's rights and responsibilities under federal and state law. Introductory material includes a letter to…