A Critical Examination of Dyslexia Legislation, Policy, and Practice in Three States

Session Submission Type: Symposium

Abstract

Dyslexia legislation, policy, practice, and media attention greatly outpace research. After over a century of research in a range of fields, there is limited consensus about the topic. Many literacy education researchers avoid the term dyslexia because it provides limited guidance for instruction. Articles about dyslexia in major literacy journals are practically nonexistent. Meanwhile, dyslexia conversations and legislation are taking place across the nation without the input of literacy education researchers.

Content Area

• Area 7: Social, Cultural, and Political Issues of Literacy Practices In and Out of School

Chair

• Jo Worthy, University of Texas, Austin

Discussant

• Peter Johnston, University at Albany

Individual Presentations

• Legislation and Policy - Samuel DeJulio, University of Texas, Austin; Villarreal A. Doris, University of Texas, Austin; Angela J Stefanski, Ball State University; Amy Leitze, Ball State University; Cooper Jennifer, Ball State University; Wanda Hedrick, University of North Florida

• Teachers’ Understandings, Perspectives, and Experiences - Jo Worthy, University of Texas, Austin; Natalie Svrcek, University of Texas, Austin

• Students’ Perspectives: Dyslexia influence on student learning and identity - Katharine Chamberlain, Open