Our Special Programs department provides services in the areas of Dyslexia, English as a Second Language (ESL), Special Education, Speech Therapy, 504 support, and additional student assistance.  Please contact our Special Programs Director, Ashley Rawls (ashley.rawls@imagineschools.org) for additional information. 

 

Dyslexia

 

Dyslexia is an unexpected difficulty in reading for an individual who has the intelligence to be a much better reader. It is most commonly due to a difficulty in phonological processing (the appreciation of the individual sounds of spoken language), which affects an individual’s ability to speak, read, spell, and often, learn a second language. Dyslexia is highly prevalent, affecting 20% of population. Dyslexia represents 80-90 percent of all learning disabilities and differs from the others in its specificity and scientific validation. While those with dyslexia are slow readers, they also, paradoxically, often are very fast and creative thinkers with excellent reasoning skills. (The Yale Center for Dyslexia & Creativity)

 

If you are concerned that your child may have dyslexia or a related disorder, please contact your child’s teacher.  

 

The following websites offer reliable information to support you as you learn more about Dyslexia. 

• The Yale Center for Dysleixa & Creativity - http://dyslexia.yale.edu/resources/parents/

• Scottish Rite - https://scottishriteforchildren.org/care-and-treatment/dyslexia

• The International Dyslexia Association - https://dyslexiaida.org/

• Neuhaus Education Center - https://www.neuhaus.org/

• Region 10 Dyslexia Parent Connection - https://www.region10.org/programs/dyslexia-regional/parent-information/

• Dyslexia Helpline 1-800-232-3030 - Dyslexia assistance is available to districts, charter schools, universities, parents, service centers, and other entities.

 

English as a Second Language

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School districts in Texas are required by state law to assess the English language proficiency of all students whose Home Language Survey indicates that the home language is a language other than English.  If a child demonstrates limited English proficiency on the assessment, s/he will be eligible for enrollment in English as a Second Language (ESL). The goal of the program is to enable English language learners to become competent in the reading, listening, speaking, and writing of the English language through the development of literacy and academic skills in grade level content areas.

 

Resources for parent of English language learners:

• Supporting English Learner in Texas - https://www.elltx.org/

• Colorín Colorado - https://www.colorincolorado.org/families

• ESL at Home - https://eslathome.edublogs.org/

 

Special Education

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Special Education services are designed to provide specialized instructional and related services that are not available through general education services to students identified with disabilities. Specialized services are designed to meet the individual needs of each student for now and for the future.

 

If you are concerned that your child may have a disability and a need for special education services, please contact your child’s teacher.

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You can learn more about special education services using the following resources:

• SpEd Tex - https://www.spedtex.org/

• Partners Network Resource - https://prntexas.org/

• Center for Parent Information & Resources - https://www.parentcenterhub.org/

• Navigate Life Texas - https://www.navigatelifetexas.org/en

• Texas Project First - http://texasprojectfirst.org/

Special Programs Resources

 

 

 

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• Parent’s Guide to the Admission, Review and Dismissal (ARD) Process

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards
   

• Dyslexia Handbook

• Dyslexia Handbook Update (English)

• Dyslexia Handbook Update (Spanish)
   

• Section 504 Information (English)

• Section 504 Information (Spanish)
   

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports/MTSS (English)

• Multi-Tiered System of Supports/MTSS (Spanish)
   

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act/IDEA (English)

• Individuals with Disabilities Education Act/IDEA (Spanish)
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• Supporting English Learners in Texas
   

• Senate Bill 139, Notice to Families - Updates in Special Education (English)

• Senate Bill 139, Notice to Families - Updates in Special Education (Spanish)
   

• Compensatory Services (English)

• Compensatory Services (Spanish)
   

• Student Handbook Statement (English)

• Student Handbook Statement (Spanish)
   

• Significant Disproportionality

• State and Federal Activity Updates Regarding Significant Disproportionality

• Resources on Special Education in Texas