Date & Time: April 28, 2026 | 3:00 PM ET
Location: Online (Zoom)
Format: Live panel discussion
About the Webinar
The National Center on Improving Literacy (NCIL) hosts the Reading the Room webinar series to bring together educators, literacy leaders, researchers, and advocates to discuss evidence-based literacy instruction, dyslexia, and literacy-related policies.
In this session, participants will dive into the International Dyslexia Association’s 2025 definition of dyslexia, comparing it with the 2002 definition and exploring its impact on literacy assessment, instruction, and student supports.
This webinar is ideal for anyone invested in improving literacy outcomes for students with dyslexia or at risk for reading difficulties.
What You Will Learn
During this session, participants will:
- Understand the key updates in IDA’s 2025 definition of dyslexia
- Compare the 2002 and 2025 definitions and their implications
- Explore how the updated definition impacts assessment, identification, and instruction
- Hear perspectives from leading researchers, educators, and literacy advocates
Speakers
Moderator:
Nancy J. Nelson, Ph.D., NCSP
Assistant Professor of Special Education, Boston University; Deputy Director, National Center on Improving Literacy
Dr. Nelson is a former special education teacher and school psychologist with extensive experience leading federally funded projects on reading and math interventions for students with or at risk for learning disabilities.
Panelists:
Nadine Gaab, Ph.D. – Professor, Harvard Graduate School of Education; Director, Gaab Lab
Research focuses on language and reading development from infancy through adolescence, with an emphasis on early identification and prevention of learning disabilities.
Hugh Catts, Ph.D. – Professor, Florida State University
Research focuses on early identification and prevention of reading disabilities and assessment of reading comprehension challenges.
Charley Haynes, Ph.D. – Professor Emeritus, MGH Institute of Health Professions
Focuses on cognitive and linguistic predictors of reading across languages; served and co-chaired on the International Dyslexia Association’s 2025 definition steering committee.
Clarice L. Jackson – Parent advocate; President, Decoding Dyslexia Nebraska & The Reading League Nebraska; Founder, Voice Advocacy Center
Served and co-chaired on the International Dyslexia Association’s 2025 definition steering committee and has led national efforts to expand access to literacy resources for students with dyslexia.
