Equitable Treatment of Students with Dyslexia

Abstract

In recent years, dyslexia legislation and awareness has become more prevalent. Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that affects a student’s ability to read because they have deficits in their overall phonological awareness skills. While federal and state legislation has been passed regarding dyslexia, awareness surrounding dyslexia is still very minimal. Educators, parents, and other school faculty members many times do not have a strong knowledge of dyslexia. Thus, students with dyslexia may not receive an education that is as equitable as their peers. This article discusses the federal and state legislation surrounding dyslexia, knowledge surrounding dyslexia, and the effects of the learning environment on students with dyslexia. Applying the principles discussed in this article will help create an environment in which dyslexic students receive equal and just treatment inside and outside of the classroom learning environment and help them to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.