Characteristics of dyslexia can be identified by testing performed  in Tennessee schools. Students identified with characteristics of dyslexia are to receive a dyslexia specific intervention in their school in accordance with Tennessee HB 2616 / SB 2635.

Center staff tests a limited number of individuals each  year. These evaluations are designed to identify a student’s patterns of strengths and weaknesses in oral comprehension, basic reading skills, reading fluency, reading comprehension, spelling, and phonological processes within the context of their educational and family history. 

In order to be considered for testing, an individual must be:

• A Tennessee resident
• In grades Kindergarten - 12
• In public, private, or home school

We are unable to evaluate individuals whose learning difficulties are primarily related to:

• Lack of English proficiency
• Low cognitive ability / Intellectual Disability
• Severe Emotional or behavioral problems / Emotional Disturbance
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Hearing or vision impairment that cannot be corrected
• Students identified with a Specific Learning Disability in Basic Reading and/or Reading Fluency

 We do not provide testing services to students who have a documented Specific Learning Disability in Basic Reading and/or Reading Fluency. These students have already been found to be dyslexic based on the eligibility criteria used for those two categories adopted by the State of Tennessee and should be receiving dyslexia specific intervention services in accordance with TN HB 2616 / SB 2635.

 

Frequently Asked Questions about testing at the Center:

Is an evaluation outside of the schools required in order to consider a 504 plan?  

No, school teams can determine if a student has characteristics of dyslexia. An outside evaluation or "diagnosis" is not required. For more information, please see Frequently Asked Questions: "Say Dyslexia" Guidance from the TN Department of Education; Item 10 provides information on 504 plan consideration.

Why don’t you assess children in pre-kindergarten?

The mandate from the state directs the Center to provide services to students who are in grades kindergarten to 12 .

 Why don’t you assess individuals who are out of high school/in college?
The mandate from the state directs the Center to provide services to students who are in grades kindergarten to 12 .

 Can you help my child get access to ACT or SAT accommodations?
No, the testing conducted at the Center does not meet the criteria required by the ACT or SAT. Please refer to the ACT website or SAT website.

Do you test children for ADHD?
No, we do not perform an assessment of ADHD as part of our evaluation process.

Can my child with ADHD be assessed?
Yes, ADHD can co-occur with a reading disability. We can assess students with ADHD, but their performance on testing may or may not allow us to make valid interpretation of the test results.

Can my child with autism be assessed?
No. Autism can co-occur with a reading disability. However, the Center does not have the capacity to administer the full psycho-educational and language testing necessary for this circumstance.

Why don't you assess children who lack English proficiency?
Children who speak English as a second language and lack English proficiency can have dyslexia. However, we do not have the resources necessary for this circumstance.

Does the Center evaluate handwriting?
No, children with dyslexia can also have problems with handwriting and other fine motor skills. However, the Center does not have the capacity to evaluate motor skills.

If my child is identified at the Center as having dyslexia will this guarantee that he or she will receive special education services at school?
No, schools must consider outside evaluations, but only the school based IEP team is authorized to make the decision regarding eligibility for special education services.