ARKANSAS DYSLEXIA DEFINITION

Dyslexia is defined in Ark. Code Ann. 6-41-602 as a learning disability that is neurological in origin, characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities that typically result from the phonological component of language. These characteristics are often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities. This definition is borrowed from the most widely accepted current definition of dyslexia that is used by the International Dyslexia Association: 

"Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth in vocabulary and background knowledge."

"Effective intervention requires early identification and a structured and systematic approach to teaching."

Dr. Sally Shaywitz  

   Shaywitz, S. (2003). Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level.

WEBSITE REPORTING

Act 1039 of 2017 amended the provisions of Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-606 to include an additional reporting requirement. Before July 15, a public school district shall report on the website of the public school district or in writing to the parents of each student in the public school district the following information:

  1. The dyslexia intervention programs used during the previous school year were specifically responsive to assisting students with dyslexia;

  2. The number of students during the previous school year who received dyslexia intervention; and

  3. The total number of students identified with dyslexia during the previous school year (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-606 (b)).

Sample website posting:

Act 1039 of 2017 Reporting By the School District (Ark. Code Ann. § 6-41-606 (b))

Dyslexia Program

-During the ​20XX-20XX​ school year, ​Anywhere Public School District​ used the evidenced-based ​XYZ Dyslexia Intervention Program​ in small group intervention to address the deficit areas of students identified as exhibiting the characteristics of dyslexia.

Number of Students Who Received Dyslexia Intervention

-During the ​20XX-20XX​ school year, ​## students​ attending ​Anywhere Public School District received dyslexia intervention services​ from a trained dyslexia interventionist.

Total Number of Students Identified as Exhibiting the Characteristics of Dyslexia​

-During the ​20XX-20XX​ school year,​ ## students​ attending ​Anywhere Public School District were identified as exhibiting the characteristics of dyslexia.

Mindy Mann

Dyslexia Specialist
Arch Ford Education Service Cooperative
888-977-7622 ext. 2020
mindy.mann@archford.org