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Reading is a right: Strategies for helping students navigate dyslexia

Students reading book in library

The start of Dyslexia Awareness Month in October is a prime opportunity for educators to evaluate their school’s or district’s approach to working with students with dyslexia and, if needed, update their procedures to better support students on their journey to reading success.

“Learning to read is not a privilege, but a basic and essential human right,” states the Ontario Human Rights Commission’s (OHRC) Right to Read inquiry report. 

Exercising that right can be more challenging for some students than others — such as those who struggle with reading disabilities like dyslexia, a language-based reading disorder that affects over 750,000 Canadian students. Dyslexia can significantly impact students’ reading, spelling and writing abilities. Without appropriate interventions, it can lead to frustration and a lack of confidence in academic settings.  

Universal screening is a key tool educators can use to assist students struggling with reading because it facilitates early identification and the development and implementation of an assessment and intervention plan. Here’s a closer look at the benefits of universal screening and additional modifications that can help ensure all students have an equal chance at reading achievement.

The universal “Right to Read” supports universal screening

The OHRC’s Right to Read Inquiry Report shines a spotlight on inequities in the school system. Its findings include the fact that the local public education system is shortchanging students with reading disabilities due to a lack of evidence-based approaches. As a remedy to this situation, it recommends universal screening to help improve decision-making about how to best support students with reading disabilities.

As part of this effort, schools in Ontario are instructed to use standardized, evidence-based screening tools, which are administered to every student twice a year from kindergarten to grade 2. The results are then used to identify at-risk students and facilitate immediate intervention.

While screening is not yet mandatory across Canada, other provinces will likely aim to follow Ontario’s lead.

The importance of universal screening in addressing reading disabilities

Deploying universal screening enables the early identification of students who may be at risk for reading difficulties and ensures no student is overlooked. The results help educators identify specific areas where a student may need additional support, allowing for tailored interventions that effectively address individual needs. 

Early intervention is vital because students whose reading difficulties are overlooked can experience significant, long-lasting effects in both their educational and personal development. Reading comprehension is a foundational skill for all other subjects, so students with gaps in reading skills may struggle not just in language arts but in science, math, social studies and virtually every other class.

Research shows the effects can be dire. “We know that about 75% of the children who do not overcome their reading difficulties by the end of grade 3 continue to struggle throughout their school life," said George Georgiou, director of the University of Alberta's J.P. Das Centre on Developmental and Learning Disabilities in a news story regarding declining reading levels. “It's in our best interest to support these kids, identify them as soon as possible and provide them with intensive intervention so that they overcome their early reading difficulties."

All students — regardless of their background or current performance — participate in universal screening so they have an equal opportunity to receive support and resources if needed, promoting equity in education. This knowledge can be comforting to caregivers who may wonder why their child is being singled out or worry they are being overlooked. 

Universal screening also can help open the doors to better engagement with caregivers, fostering their involvement in their child's education and helping them understand their child's needs.

User-friendly digital tools can help close the gap

While there are a number of screeners that provide a holistic view of students’ abilities, here ​are a few that closely align with dyslexia screening:

These easy-to-use digital tools and streamlined formats can help educators efficiently reach student populations equitably and then use the data-rich results to devise a customized treatment plan and communicate progress among the school team and with caregivers. 

A team approach boosts success

Helping students with dyslexia entails a team approach across roles and professional groups in the school setting. Some students will need more focused intervention to help them improve their reading comprehension, and an integrated team can help deliver that personalized attention. The team can include a variety of professionals who work together to identify and plan interventions, with each team member leveraging different tools depending on their role.

Ongoing professional development ensures that the school community understands the gravity of the situation and is equipped to step in as needed to support learners. 

Unlocking a brighter future for all students

All students deserve the benefits that come from advanced reading comprehension, and universal screening is critical to better literacy outcomes. By taking steps early to identify and work with students who have dyslexia, educators can ensure an equitable future for all learners. 

Want more information and resources to help your school launch a robust approach to serving students with dyslexia? Download the Pearson Dyslexia Toolkit today