In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the implementation of recommendations from the Gibson report, focusing primarily on improvements to the dyslexia program within Round Rock Independent School District (ISD). The meeting highlighted significant changes aimed at enhancing educational support for students with dyslexia, particularly in response to House Bill 3,928.
Miss Weiss, a key speaker, outlined the first recommendation to develop a decision-making framework for the dyslexia program. In response, Round Rock ISD has created a standard operating procedures document that consolidates current guidance for staff. This living document is accessible via the district's intranet, ensuring that educators have the most up-to-date information and resources.
Additionally, the district plans to implement \"learning walks\" for dyslexia staff starting in the 2024-2025 school year. These observations will help assess the fidelity of program implementation and ensure that staff receive adequate training and support.
The meeting also addressed funding issues related to the program intent code for dyslexia services. While the district has not yet received state funds for this code, officials are prepared to track and utilize these funds once they become available.
Improvements to the data capture tracking system were also discussed. The district has upgraded its data collection methods to track individual student progress more effectively, addressing previous limitations in tracking group data. This includes implementing safeguards to minimize data entry errors and ensuring accurate tracking of students receiving dyslexia services.
Training initiatives for evaluation staff were highlighted, focusing on cultural sensitivity and the use of evaluation instruments. Ongoing professional development for special education teachers is also a priority, with resources migrated to an internal website for easier access.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to leveraging the Gibson report as a tool for continuous improvement in the district's dyslexia program. Officials expressed gratitude for the feedback received and emphasized their dedication to enhancing educational outcomes for students with dyslexia. The session opened the floor for questions from trustees, indicating a collaborative approach to addressing the needs of the district's students.