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MCS Dyslexia Supports and Services

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MCS Dyslexia Remediation – Supports and Services:

Dyslexia is a reading disorder and supports may be provided at the Tier level within each school. Our MTSS team will evaluate to see if the student qualifies to be placed either in Tier 2 for supplemental support or Tier 3 for intensive supports based on their needs.
 
The MCS MTSS team recommends that our Tier 2 and Tier 3 supports follow the Phonics First® reading system’s scope and sequence.  The Phonics First® reading system, developed by Brainspring, (an IMSLEC and IDA Accredited MSL program) is rooted in the Orton-Gillingham principles of instruction.  It is a multisensory, systematic, structured, sequential, phonics-based, direct-instruction approach to teaching beginning, at-risk, struggling, learning disabled, dyslexic, and ELL readers.
 

Our MCS Literacy Specialists have been trained in the Phonics First Foundations Level I course (Grades K-5) and Phonics First Structures Level II (Grades 6-12).         
                                                                                                                         
The diagnosis of dyslexia is usually not a call for an IEP or 504 ruling.  However, it may call for specific interventions and accommodations based on student need.  The state of Mississippi offers accommodations for dyslexia regardless of qualifications of an IEP or 504 ruling. Tier I accommodations include extended time on tests. Accommodations are allowed and provided according to the needs of each student.

*Reading aloud is not allowable for 3rd grade reading gate.* 

Once a student receives a dyslexia diagnosis, what is the responsibility of the school/district in regard to their diagnosis?

MCS shall develop interventions and strategies to address the needs of a student diagnosed with dyslexia and provide the necessary accommodations to enable the student to achieve appropriate educational progress allowing the student to become college and/or career ready upon graduation. 

If a student is diagnosed with dyslexia, does he/she automatically receive special services?

No, MCS shall make an initial determination whether a student with dyslexia qualifies under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to receive services and funding under the provisions of the IDEA.  If the student is ineligible for special education services, then MCS may decide if a 504 Plan is warranted.

If a student does not qualify for special education services, yet has a dyslexia diagnosis, what services, if any, will he/she receive?

Students with a diagnosis of dyslexia can be provided accommodations and support in the general education setting through MTSS. Schools may utilize the information that is provided in the diagnosis documentation to help target interventions.

 Adapted from MDE's Dyslexia FAQ 

For more information on Madison County Schools dyslexia supports and services, please contact:

Katherine Matthews 
Dyslexia Coordinator
kmatthews@madison-schools.com