RE: Dyslexia

Thank you for your comments Noel.  You are correct in your observation that you did not see many specific mentions of learning disabilities in the text of the draft Master Plan.  That was deliberate.  The Joint Committee is attempting to be clear in its commitment to ALL students and trying not to continue a categorical approach to education.  

You will note language that speaks to early developmental assessment and assessment at critical transitions in the education system in order to identify possible disabilities and developmental delays that could be appropriately addressed early in a student's life.  A number of discussants, however, have mentioned a desire to see more language pertaining to learning disabilities not just for young students for for older students as well.  Closely related to the latter concern is an absence of language that speaks to the need to produce adequate numbers of professionals trained to assess older students for potential learning disabilities.  We continue to believe that the ALL approach is a good one but you will likely see a bit more direct reference to learning disability and need for proper assessment throughout the education system in subsequent drafts of the Plan.