DYSLEXIA IN HPISD
Until 2022, students suspected of having dyslexia were given a dyslexia only evaluation under Section 504. Now, following updates to the Texas Dyslexia Handbook, Highland Park ISD's website states that HPISD will recommend that initial assessments for dyslexia be referred to Special Education for a Full Individual Evaluation (FIE). This does not mean a student is put into the Special Education Program, it just means that a very thorough evaluation will be done to full evaluate all areas of a student's learning. Since 60 to 80% of dyslexic students have related learning differences that can be missed with a 504 dyslexia evaluation, a Full Individual Evaluation is critical to effetely evaluating and serving students with learning differences. Plus, Full Individual Evaluations allow students and parent numerous rights. With an FIE, a strict timeline must be followed and parents are legally required to be part of decision making process. These things are not guaranteed with a 504 dyslexia only evaluation. Click here for more about Special Education vs Section 504.