New guidance on dyslexia screening follow-up for families
Federal and state agencies are aligning on clearer timelines for notifying families after a screening flags reading risk. We are tracking what this means for your next steps.
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Texas requires universal dyslexia screening for all public school students in kindergarten and first grade, with additional screening recommended through grade 5. Kindergarten screening must be completed by the end of the school year; first grade screening must be completed by January 31.
Below is a plain-language explanation of your state's policies.
Get a based on your child's screening results.
Federal and state agencies are aligning on clearer timelines for notifying families after a screening flags reading risk. We are tracking what this means for your next steps.
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Texas has one of the longest-standing dyslexia screening laws in the country — the requirement to screen public school students for dyslexia has been in place for decades. But if you're a Texas parent navigating this right now, you're dealing with a system that has recently undergone significant changes, and the way dyslexia services are provided looks different than it did just two years ago.
The most important thing to know upfront: under changes that took effect in the 2023-24 school year, evidence-based dyslexia instruction in Texas is now classified as specially designed instruction — in other words, it's a special education service. This has changed how schools evaluate, identify, and serve students with dyslexia. It affects your rights and your child's services. This page explains how.
Under TEC §38.003, all public school students in Texas must be screened for dyslexia and related disorders. The screening program, approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE), requires:
Screening in grades 2 through 5 is recommended but not required by statute. However, the Dyslexia Handbook directs schools to continue monitoring students beyond first grade, and many districts screen or assess reading skills through at least second grade as part of their reading instrument requirements.
Schools use commissioner-approved or district-selected reading instruments for screening. The most commonly used tools include:
Districts can also select alternate instruments through a district-level committee, as long as the instrument meets the screening criteria outlined in the Dyslexia Handbook.
The dyslexia screening evaluates skills including phonological and phonemic awareness, rapid naming, letter knowledge, and word reading — the foundational skills that, when significantly weak, may indicate dyslexia.
What's changing under HB 2 (2025): The 89th Texas Legislature passed HB 2, which expands reading instrument requirements. TEA is developing new commissioner-approved lists of foundational literacy and numeracy instruments for kindergarten through grade 3, to be administered at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year. Until those new instruments are adopted, schools continue using current approved instruments. The universal dyslexia screening requirements under TEC §38.003 continue to apply during this transition.
After screening, you should receive written notification of the results within 60 calendar days of the assessment. The results will indicate whether your child is at risk for dyslexia or reading difficulties.
If the screening shows your child may be at risk, the school is required to notify you and begin collecting additional data — looking at your child's classroom performance, response to instruction, and other indicators — to determine whether a full evaluation is warranted.
A negative screening does not rule out dyslexia. Screening is a brief assessment designed to identify students who may need further evaluation. It can miss children, particularly those who compensate well or whose difficulties don't show up under the specific conditions of the screening. If you have concerns about your child's reading, you can request a full evaluation regardless of screening results — the school must respond to your written request.
Screening is not a diagnosis. Being flagged as "at risk" means the screening identified indicators that warrant closer attention. It does not mean your child has dyslexia. A comprehensive evaluation is needed to determine that.
Notify you of results. Schools must report reading assessment results to you in writing no later than 60 calendar days after the assessment is administered.
Notify you if your child is at risk. If your child is determined to be at risk for dyslexia or reading difficulties, the school must make a good faith effort to notify you, including sharing the data and measurements that led to the determination.
Provide you a copy of the Dyslexia Handbook. When a student is suspected of having dyslexia, schools must provide parents a copy of or link to the Texas Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Handbook.
Tell you about the Talking Book Program. Schools are required to notify parents of students identified as at risk about the Talking Book Program maintained by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission — a free program that provides audiobooks.
Evaluate your child if you request it. If you request a full evaluation for dyslexia, the school must respond. They cannot refuse to evaluate simply because the screening came back negative. Under TEC §29.0031, schools must screen for dyslexia, notify parents of at-risk students, and proceed to evaluation when appropriate.
Provide dyslexia instruction if your child is identified. This is where the recent changes matter most. See the section below.
This is the most significant change to Texas dyslexia services in recent years, and it directly affects families.
Before HB 3928 (passed in 2023, with the updated Handbook effective June 30, 2024), Texas distinguished between "standard protocol dyslexia instruction" — which could be provided outside of special education — and specially designed instruction provided through an IEP. Many students with dyslexia received structured literacy instruction without going through the special education process.
HB 3928 eliminated that distinction. Now, all evidence-based dyslexia instruction programs are considered specially designed instruction — which is, by definition, special education. This means:
What this means in practice: Some parents view this as a positive change — it provides stronger federal protections (IDEA) and more structured accountability for dyslexia services. Others have concerns — the special education label carries stigma for some families, and the evaluation and ARD process adds time before services begin. Both perspectives are valid.
If your child was already receiving dyslexia instruction before this change, the school should have transitioned their services into the special education framework. If you're unsure how this affects your child's current program, ask the school for clarification.
You can decline special education. Under IDEA, parents have the right to decline special education services. However, if you decline, the school is no longer obligated to provide the evidence-based dyslexia instruction program — because that program is now classified as special education. Your child would still receive general education support, but not the specialized dyslexia program.
A 504 Plan remains an option if your child has dyslexia but the ARD committee determines they don't need specially designed instruction — only accommodations.
You can request an evaluation at any time. You don't need to wait for the school to suggest it, and you don't need a positive screening result. Put your request in writing.
You have the right to participate in the ARD process. If your child is being evaluated or receiving services through special education, you are a member of the ARD committee. You have the right to participate in all decisions about your child's evaluation, eligibility, and IEP.
You have the right to an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If you disagree with the school's evaluation, you can request an IEE at public expense.
You have due process rights under IDEA. If you disagree with the school's decisions about your child's identification, evaluation, or services, you can request mediation or a due process hearing.
TEA monitors schools for compliance. The Texas Education Agency actively monitors school districts for compliance with dyslexia screening and service requirements through the Dyslexia Monitoring program. If you believe your school is not meeting its obligations, you can file a complaint with TEA.
Texas Education Agency — Dyslexia and Related Disorders TEA's main page for dyslexia, including the current Dyslexia Handbook, screening requirements, guidance documents, TAA letters, and monitoring information. tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders
TEA — Texas Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Handbook (2024 Update) The definitive reference for how Texas schools must screen, evaluate, identify, and provide instruction for students with dyslexia. Updated to reflect HB 3928. Available in English and Spanish. tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/dyslexia-and-related-disorders
TEA — Dyslexia Screening Page Specific information on screening timelines (kindergarten by end of year, first grade by January 31), data validation, and compliance requirements. tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/review-and-support/dyslexia-screening
TEA — Early Learning Assessments and Data Collection Current instrument requirements for PK-2, including free tools (mCLASS Texas Edition, TPRI/Tejas LEE CLI version), key dates, and HB 2 implementation guidance. tea.texas.gov/academics/early-childhood-education/early-learning-assessments/early-childhood-data-collection-requirements
TEA — HB 3928 FAQs Detailed questions and answers about the reclassification of dyslexia instruction as specially designed instruction, including how it affects evaluations, ARD committees, and parent consent. tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/correspondence/taa-letters/house-bill-hb-3928
Decoding Dyslexia Texas A grassroots parent advocacy organization providing support, resources, and advocacy on behalf of students and families affected by dyslexia in Texas. facebook.com/DecodingDyslexiaTX
IDA Southwest Branch (International Dyslexia Association) The regional IDA branch serving Texas. Provides professional development, resources, and information for families and educators. sw.dyslexiaida.org
Region 10 ESC — Dyslexia Resources Education Service Center Region 10 maintains a comprehensive dyslexia resource page with links to the Handbook, TEA guidance, and professional development information. region10.org/programs/dyslexia
Last verified: May 30, 2026
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