Dyslexia in the Classroom: Signs, Screening, and Structured Literacy Supports
Understand what dyslexia is and isn’t, recognize the signs at every grade level, know how screening and evaluation work (including Texas requirements), and use structured literacy, accommodations and assistive technology so students with dyslexia can learn in every subject.
- 3 CE Hours
- 5 Modules
- Narrated Video Lessons
- Self-Paced
- Certificate on Completion
Watch a free preview: Module 1
See how the course teaches before you enroll. This 7-minute video covers the 2025 International Dyslexia Association definition, what causes dyslexia and what doesn’t, common myths, and the strengths many students with dyslexia bring to your classroom.
Course Overview
Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities, and nearly every classroom includes students who have it, whether or not they have been identified. In 2025, the International Dyslexia Association released its first major update to the definition in more than twenty years, and in Texas, House Bill 3928 changed how dyslexia is evaluated and served. Teachers need a clear, current understanding.
This course is written for teachers. It focuses on what you can notice and do: recognizing patterns, describing what you see, understanding screening and evaluation, partnering with dyslexia providers and families, teaching with structured literacy routines, and giving students access to grade-level learning through accommodations and assistive technology.
Each module includes a narrated video, short readings from trusted sources such as the International Dyslexia Association and the Texas Education Agency, and interactive classroom scenarios with feedback. The course ends with a final assessment and a certificate of completion.
Learning Objectives
When you finish this course, you will be able to:
- Define dyslexia using the 2025 International Dyslexia Association definition, and correct common myths.
- Recognize signs of dyslexia from preschool through high school, and explain what screening can and can’t tell you.
- Explain how dyslexia is evaluated and served under IDEA and Texas requirements, and the difference between instruction and accommodations.
- Use explicit, structured literacy routines that support decoding, fluency, spelling and writing.
- Select accommodations and assistive technology that give students access to learning in every subject while protecting confidence.
Course Modules
Five modules move from understanding dyslexia to recognizing it, supporting evaluation, and teaching and supporting students in your classroom.
How to Complete This Course
- Watch the module video Each module opens with a short narrated video.
- Complete the readings and activities Work through each part’s reading and classroom scenarios, then review the takeaways.
- Complete all five modules Move through the modules in order; each builds on the one before.
- Pass the final assessment Score at least 80%. Retakes are unlimited.
- Download your certificate Your certificate lists the course, completion date, CE hours and presenter.
Continuing Education Hours
Online, self-paced
Your certificate documents the course title, completion date, hours and presenter. Educators are responsible for confirming that this course meets the requirements of their state education agency, school district or certifying organization.
Texas educators: Texas Education Code § 21.054 requires continuing education for educators who teach students with dyslexia to include training on new research and practices in educating students with dyslexia, and allows that training to be offered online. Keep your certificate with your CPE records; your district or certifying body decides which hours it accepts.
Who This Course Is For
Classroom teachers (PreK–12), special educators, reading and content-area teachers, interventionists, educational diagnosticians, counselors and administrators who support students with dyslexia.
Course Instructor
Jaime Flowers, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, BCBA
School psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst
Educator CE
Course Information
- Level: Introductory to intermediate
- Format: Self-paced online course with narrated video, readings and interactive activities. No live sessions.
- Access period: 1 year from enrollment.
- Instructor and content developer: Jaime Flowers, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, BCBA
- Conflict of interest: Dr. Flowers owns Educator CE and receives revenue from course sales, including this course. No other relevant financial or nonfinancial relationships are reported.
- Commercial support: None.
- Accessibility: Need an accommodation? See our Accessibility & Accommodations page.
- Questions or complaints: See our Complaint & Grievance Procedure.
Limitations
This course builds awareness and practical classroom skills. It does not train participants to diagnose dyslexia, deliver an evidence-based dyslexia program, or determine special education eligibility; those decisions and services are provided by qualified professionals and school teams. Texas requirements described reflect the 2024 Texas Dyslexia Handbook; other states’ procedures vary. Case examples are simplified for teaching.
Key References
- International Dyslexia Association. (2025). 2025 definition of dyslexia. https://dyslexiaida.org/2025-dyslexia-definition-project/
- International Dyslexia Association. (n.d.). Dyslexia in the classroom: What every teacher needs to know. https://dyslexiaida.org/?p=1311
- Gough, P. B., & Tunmer, W. E. (1986). Decoding, reading, and reading disability. Remedial and Special Education, 7(1), 6–10. https://doi.org/10.1177/074193258600700104
- Texas Education Agency. (2024). The dyslexia handbook: Procedures concerning dyslexia and related disorders. https://tea.texas.gov/special-populations-and-support/special-education/texas-dyslexia-handbook-3.pdf
- U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. (2011). Memo 11-07. https://sites.ed.gov/idea/idea-files/osep-memo-11-07-response-to-intervention-rti-memo/