Concord Community Schools

Dyslexia as defined by IC 20-18-2-3.5 is a specific learning disability that:

• is neurological in origin and characterized by:
  • difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition; and
  • poor spelling and decoding abilities;
• 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;
• may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge; and
• may require the provision of special education services after an eligibility determination is made in accordance with 511 IAC 7-40.
• In accordance with IC-20-35.5-6-2, Concord Community Schools has identified our Reading Specialist trained as Jena Kennedy, Director of English Language Learners and Academic Intervention

In accordance with IC 20-32-8.5, Concord Community Schools shall publicly report on its website the following information related to dyslexia:

The following information pertains to the 2023-24 school year.

The interventions that were used include but are not limited to:

• Orton Gillingham
• Heggerty
• mClass Interventions from DIBELS data
• UFLI Foundations
• Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) toolkit intervention lessons
• Wilson Language Training - Fundations

NOTE: While most of the students that received dyslexia interventions this past year may not receive a diagnosis of dyslexia, Concord is committed to ensuring that any student at risk is receiving the support and intervention they need to grow and succeed as a reader.

Indiana Code 20-35.5 requires all Indiana schools to administer a universal screener for learning characteristics related to dyslexia within the first 90 days of school. Approved universal screeners and Level I/Level II diagnostic assessments for learning characteristics related to dyslexia are available on the Indiana Department of Education's (IDOE’s) Dyslexia webpage.

Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding). 

All students in kindergarten, grade one, and grade two will be given the screener within the first 90 days of school. Parents of students who are determined to be “at risk” or “at some risk” for learning characteristics related to dyslexia will be notified of screener results and be provided with the next steps of intervention. Parents will be asked for permission to administer Level I and Level II diagnostic assessments.

Please contact your school’s reading interventionist with any questions or concerns regarding the universal dyslexia screener requirements. For more information, please reference the Indiana Department of Education’s Dyslexia webpage.

What is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia causes difficulty in the skills needed for learning to read, spell and write, but it is much more than that. While dyslexia may make reading more difficult, Concord Community Schools staff are equipped with the knowledge and resources to help all students succeed.

What reading skill areas will Concord use to screen my child?

Students will be screened in the following areas: Phonological and phonemic awareness, alphabet knowledge, sound symbol recognition, decoding skills, rapid naming skills, and encoding skills. These screening areas are required under SEA 217 but also represent the best understanding of effective screening procedures for dyslexia.

How will I know if my child is found at risk for Dyslexia?

After Concord staff are finished analyzing all the data from the screeners, parents of students found to be “at risk” or “at some risk” of having characteristics of dyslexia will be notified in writing of the results of the screeners. If you have questions about your student results, please contact the school for further information. 

What are the next steps if my child is found at risk for Dyslexia?

If the screening process through mCLASS DIBELS determines that your child is at risk or at some risk for characteristics of reading difficulties, a parent notification will occur.  You will be given the opportunity to opt out of further assessments in regards to your child.  mCLASS DIBELS benchmark and progress monitoring will still occur for any student who is in kindergarten through second grade or any intervention in third and fourth grade. 

What resources are available for me to learn more about Dyslexia?

• Dyslexia FAQ: English
• Dyslexia FAQ: Spanish
• Parent Resources for Students with Learning Characteristics Related to Dyslexia: English
• Parent Resources for Students with Learning Characteristics Related to Dyslexia: Spanish
• International Dyslexia Association
• Overcoming Dyslexia by Dr. Sally Schaywitz
• The Proust and the Squid by Dr. Maryanne Wolf. ​​​​​​​

• Click here to learn more from Indiana Department of Education