PROGRAM OVERVIEW
The Dyslexia/504 Program Office was established to coordinate services for all our students who receive services under these two programs. Students under these programs receive individualized support so that they may take full advantage of all the educational opportunities offered by our school district. At the moment, United Independent School District is comprised of 40 school campuses, which includes 26 elementary schools, 9 middle schools, 4 high schools, and 1 alternative school. To better serve the needs of our students and their families, each campus has a designated 504 campus coordinator who helps to ensure that all students who meet the criteria for services are appropriately identified and served. In addition, each campus is assigned with a teacher trained to diagnose for dyslexia and to provide the appropriate instructional interventions relevant to all identified students.
Dyslexia
Our school district’s dyslexia program is consistent with TEA’s Dyslexia Handbook, which outlines the two Texas statutes and one federal rule governing the identification of dyslexia and the provision of services. Under the Texas Education Code (TEC) section 38.003 and Chapter 19 of the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) section 74.28, Texas schools are required to diagnose students’ reading development and comprehension and detect for possible dyslexia. For students deemed at-risk for dyslexia, schools are required to provide accelerated reading instruction, and referral for dyslexia evaluation if those interventions prove unsuccessful. Under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504, all schools receiving federal funds must provide all students who “suffer from an impairment that substantially limits learning or another major life activity” with appropriate referral, evaluation and educational services.
Generally, students who experience reading difficulties and are identified as having dyslexia are provided with a wide range of services, which may include continued instruction in the regular classroom setting with the use of specialized strategies, or instruction in a pull-out program (Scottish Rite Program) if the disability is severe enough to warrant this. If the disability is more significant, the student may receive instruction in special education program. Under section 504, the student is provided with individualized instruction consistent with an individualized accommodation plan (IAP). If the student qualifies for the special education program, the student’s services are provided in accordance with an individualized education plan (IEP).
Section 504
Students qualifying for services under the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, section 504, are provided with individualized services and accommodations consistent with a committee-developed individualized accommodation plan (IAP) after the student has been appropriately referred, evaluated and identified with an “impairment that substantially limits learning or another major life activity.” Some of the disabilities covered under this law may include ADD, ADHD, Cerebral Palsy, or any injury that substantially prevents student from taking advantage of educational opportunities provided by the school district. Generally, these are disabilities that may be severe, but that may not warrant a referral to the special education program. Under this program, students are provided with appropriate monitoring and needed accommodations deemed necessary in order for the student to benefit from the instructional program.
It is the policy of the United Independent School District
not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, or
disability in the Career and Technology programs, services or activities, as
required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of
the Educational Amendments of 1972; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as
amended; and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended.
Es norma de United I.S.D. el no discriminar por motivos de raza, color, origen
nacional, sexo o impedimento, en sus programas, servicios o actividades, tal
como lo requieren el Título VI de la Ley de Derechos Civiles de 1964, según
enmienda; el Título IX de las Enmiendas en la Educación de 1972, y la Sección
504 de la Ley de Rehabilitación de 1973, según la enmienda.