This toolkit helps parents and educators learn about dyslexia and how to support the literacy development of students with dyslexia.
You will learn:
- Common dyslexia definitions
- The underlying causes of dyslexia
- The effects dyslexia may have on student literacy development
This toolkit includes:
- Online tutorial
- Research briefs and infographics
- Expert advice
- Tools and resources
Get Started
Online Tutorial
In this tutorial, you will learn about what dyslexia is, as well as typical causes and effects of dyslexia, all in an online experience. You can select the topic you want to learn more about, or you can go through the whole tutorial.
Research Briefs
Download and print these infographics with ideas linked to the tutorial to learn more about the underlying causes and effects of dyslexia.
Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read.
Studies report fundamental differences in brain development and activation patterns between individuals with dyslexia and those without.
Breaking down the truth about Dyslexia.
Signs of typical reading development and possible indicators of risk for dyslexia.
The characteristics of dyslexia legislation.
Ask the Experts
Find out what experts have to say about dyslexia.
What is Dyslexia?
To better understand the experiences of students with dyslexia, and how we can support them, it is important to develop an understanding of what dyslexia is. Explore these resources to learn more about what dyslexia is.
IDA's definition of dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Basic facts about dyslexia and other reading problems.
Topic: Dyslexia
NIH's page on dyslexia including definition, treatment, and other information.
Topic: Dyslexia
This webpage describes the Mayo Clinic's definition of dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read a letter from OSEP describing the implications of federal law on disabilities for state policy and practice, especially concerning the identification and treatment of dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn common myths about dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Here are questions parents and educators can ask to clarify the terms: dyslexia, learning disabilities, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
Topic: Dyslexia, Reading Disabilities
What Causes Dyslexia?
Dyslexia is a brain-based learning disability that specifically impairs a person’s ability to read. Explore these resources to find out what research says about what causes and does not cause dyslexia.
Learn common myths and facts about dyslexia by reading this document.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this article to learn more about dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn more about common dyslexia myths.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn about dyslexia and the brain.
Topic: Dyslexia
What are the Effects of Dyslexia?
Explore these resources to learn more about what the effects of dyslexia are, and ways to support students with dyslexia.
Read this webpage to learn common signs of dyslexia in preschool children.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn common signs of dyslexia in Kindergarten and Grade 1 students.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn common signs of dyslexia in students in Grade 2 through 12.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn how a family history of reading difficulties may predict risk of difficulties in children.
Topic: Dyslexia
Read this document for the Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics definition of dyslexia.
Topic: Dyslexia
Use this checklist to gather information about family history of reading difficulties.
Topic: Assessments, Screening, Dyslexia
This video from the Launching Young Readers series describes how parents can be empowered to get help and support their children in learning to read.
Topic: Advocacy, Dyslexia
Read this webpage to learn about Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) measures.
Topic: Assessments, Screening, Dyslexia
This toolkit helps educators understand what universal screening for dyslexia risk is, how it works, and what to consider when choosing a dyslexia risk screener.
This toolkit provides information about how all schools can systematically use data to help all students get appropriate reading supports through general and special education.
This toolkit provides information about the essential components of reading instruction, including the five core reading skills that students need to become strong readers.
This toolkit provides information about how to intensify instruction for students with dyslexia who are not making progress as readers. You will learn intensification practices that can be used in the context of Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III instruction.
Explore More Toolkits
This toolkit, developed in collaboration with the Idaho State Department of Education, helps parents and families use everyday time together as an opportunity for learning and building reading skills.
This toolkit helps parents and families take part in literacy experiences at home to develop children’s reading and language skills.
This toolkit helps educators and parents learn about how screening can help determine which students may be at risk for reading difficulties.
The research reported here is funded by awards to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: S283D160003). The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. Copyright © 2024 National Center on Improving Literacy. https://improvingliteracy.org