Early and accurate identification of dyslexia is critical to getting students the help they need. In Rhode Island, school districts must follow federal law (IDEA) and comply with state statutes related to literacy and dyslexia, including requirements like Personal Literacy Plans. Districts must also use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to help identify students who may qualify for special education under the category of Specific Learning Disability (SLD), which includes dyslexia. 

How does a student qualify for an IEP?

• A student has an identified disability. Dyslexia falls under Specific Learning Disability (SLD in basic reading and/or fluency). 

• The disability adversely affects your child's educational performance (data is key!) 

Rhode Island requires districts to use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) as one method to identify students with Specific Learning Disability, including dyslexia. MTSS is a preventive model that provides increasing levels of support based on student need. It includes:

• Core literacy instruction is evidence-based (Tier 1-all students)

• Targeted small group interventions (Tier 2- some students/small group)

• Intensive, individualized instruction (Tier 3-intensive intervention/can be 1 to 1)

• Progress monitoring to track student response over time
  
  

If a student does not make adequate progress even with appropriate interventions, the team should consider whether the student may have a Specific Learning Disability in basic reading and/or reading fluency also known as dyslexia. 

Important: Schools do not diagnose dyslexia. Schools must look for characteristics of dyslexia and use data to qualify a student for an IEP.  It is also important to note that having a diagnosis does not guarantee an IEP. 

Pro-Tip: Use the phrase characteristics of dyslexia 

Families may choose to pursue a private evaluation by a neuropsychologist or educational evaluator. This can be helpful, especially if:

• The school is reluctant to evaluate

• You disagree with the school’s findings

• You want a second opinion
  
  

If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense under IDEA. The school must either agree or request a hearing to defend its evaluation.

⚠️ Important Note: A private diagnosis of dyslexia does not automatically guarantee an IEP. The school team must determine that:

• The student meets the criteria for a Specific Learning Disability under IDEA

• The disability is impacting the child’s educational performance (data will be used to determine this) 

• The student needs specially designed instruction

However, private evaluations must be considered by the school team and can provide valuable data.

Under IDEA and Rhode Island policy, schools cannot say “we don’t diagnose dyslexia” and stop there. While schools are not required to provide a medical diagnosis, they are required to identify whether a student shows characteristics of dyslexia that may qualify them for special education under Specific Learning Disability (SLD).  This is why a strong MTSS system and screening is so important! 

Advocacy Tip

If the school says, “We don’t diagnose dyslexia,” ask:

“Based on your school data and teacher observations, is my child showing characteristics of dyslexia?" We note that,  (cite the data from Criterion 1 and Criterion 2 of Specific Learning Disability identification in Rhode Island).”

Specific Learning Disability Criterion 1: Achievement gap in meeting age- or grade-level state standards when provided with appropriate instruction (Look at RICAS scores, Benchmark Assessments, and Unit Assessments) 

Specific Learning Disability Criterion 2: Lack of sufficient progress in response to evidence-based reading  (provided across all tiers of instruction). Example: A student is receiving Tier 3 structured literacy intervention, but is not reaching their goal despite fidelity of instruction. 

Understanding Testing and Evaluation 

• International Dyslexia Association: Testing and Evaluation Overview
   

Situation

My child has been in MTSS for years and is still struggling

• The school should consider if there's a disability and begin the evaluation process

I want to request a special education evaluation

• Put your request in writing — the school cannot delay it due to MTSS

I have a private diagnosis of dyslexia

• This should be considered, but the school still must determine IEP eligibility. 

The school said “we can’t diagnose dyslexia”

• Schools must look for characteristics of dyslexia as part of child find criteria under IDEA laws. Avoid the term diagnosis with the team unless citing an outside diagnosis. 

Families can sign-up for free trainings on the MTSS Rhode Island Website. There are two helpful courses on dyslexia! We highly encourage parents to take this course to help them understand how the school process works. 

Characteristics of Dyslexia 

Dyslexia and Learning Disability Evaluation