Dyslexia video series co-developed by College of Education

A new four-part video series co-developed by the Mary Frances Early College of Education outlines the connection between dyslexia and literacy and provides information about dyslexia to teachers, schools, and families.

The series was developed through a partnership between the College and the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). Kristin Sayeski, associate professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education, developed content for the videos.

“The content included in the video series was based on current research, practice, and frequently asked questions among teachers, administrators, and parents,” said Jennifer Lindstrom, statewide dyslexia coordinator at the GaDOE. “The passage of S.B. 48, the Georgia dyslexia law that was passed in 2019, also provided the impetus for the content.”

The law requires identification and support for pre-K-2 students with dyslexia, along with definitions and for an informational handbook on dyslexia to be available to school districts.

The first video defines dyslexia, which is then connected with reading development in the second video. The third video addresses the services covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act and individualized learning plans, followed by an explanation of a structured literacy approach for students with dyslexia in the final video.

Lindstrom said the video series has been shared with local and state education agencies, as well as parent groups and dyslexia endorsement programs approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC).

One such program exists in the College. The Dyslexia Endorsement is a 15-hour online program, which can serve as a stand-alone program or as part of a GaPSC-approved preparation program.

Beginning at the end of this month, Sayeski and Lindstrom will host a four-part webinar series, “Unraveling Dyslexia: A Closer Look at the GaDOE Dyslexia Video Series” to complement the videos and answer questions. The webinars will run Oct. 26-Jan. 4, 2023.

To view the video series and learn more about the Dyslexia Endorsement, visit the College’s Dyslexia Endorsement webpage.