TX Dyslexia Policy Changes: Where Do We Go From Here? | Michelle Simmons & Mikyung Shin

Dr. Robin Codding tells us how we can test for math disabilities and drive instruction at the same time- the Evidence-Based way!1. Codding, R. S., Nelson, G., Kiss, A. J., Shin, J., Goodridge, A., & Hwang, J. (2025). A Meta-Analysis of the Relations Between Curriculum-Based Measures in Mathematics and Criterion Measures. School Psychology Review, 54(3), 275–290. https://doi.org/10.1080/2372966X.2023.22240552. Codding, R. S., Peltier, C., & Campbell, J. (2023). Introducing the Science of Math. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 56(1), 6-11. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/004005992211217213. VanderHeyden, A. M., Codding, R. S. Belief-Based Versus Evidence-Based Math Assessment and Instruction: What School Psychologists Need to Know to Improve Student Outcomes By Amanda M. VanDerHeyden & Robin S. Codding (2021). The science of math: The importance of mastery measures and the quest for a general outcome measure. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1322824 4. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED500486.pdf 5. https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/practiceguides6. https://www.thescienceofmath.com/7. https://intensiveintervention.org/

More concerning trends in the Texas special education populations. Dyslexia Identification: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1441293Trends In Rates: https://eric.ed.gov/?id=EJ1291402Texas Special Education Report: https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED677545.pdf

Eric Elias is a co-host of the School Psyched! Podcast, and was School Psychologist of the year this year. He shares the hot topics discussed at NASP this year, and we discuss his article: Muddled Measurement : https://www.researchgate.net/publication/350098337_Muddled_Measurement_A_Historical_Perspective_on_Questionable_Practices_in_School_Psychology's_Assessment_of_Learning_Disabilities#fullTextFileContentIf you want to follow the School Psyched podcast, you can join live discussions by going here: https://thetestingpsychologist.com/podcast-crossover-with-school-psyched-rebecca-comizio-rachael-donnelly-and-eric-elias/

In this episode, we talk about some trend in special education populations in Texas. We used reports from DeMatthews et al. (2025) as a springboard for our discussion.https://texaserc.utexas.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Texas_Special_Ed_Report_4.4.2025.pdfhttps://tea.texas.gov/about-tea/news-and-multimedia/annual-reports/annual-report

Is there a time when something is not normal but it is also not a disability?Is there a time when something IS normal, but it is a disability?We tackle ideas about what it means to be disabled. It's not a simple as it seems.

Becki takes lists her top ten take away tips for the ways in which the new WJ V compares to previous versions of the test.

Nazzie discusses the new definition of Dyslexia as published by the International Dyslexia Association with listeners. The discussion includes a summary of her publication that attempts to analyze and critique the Texas guidance documents against evidence-based assessment practices. Here's a link to the article: https://www.etamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/2025-Pater-Rov-Tagged.pdfIf you want to know more about the new definition of dyslexia, refer to the International Dyslexia Association.

Dr. Shanahan talks to us about how misinterpretations of reading theory by teachers may be limiting students' opportunities to develop literacy skills at higher levels. He's concerned about what happens after teacher help kids crack the code.Here's a link for purchasing Dr. Shanahan's book: Leveled Readers, Leveled Lives. Here's a link to Dr. Shanahan's blog.

Dr. Collins has recently become the president elect of the Counsel on Learning Disabilities. Her research is about teaching writing. She's a CALT, so she understands the challenges of teaching those with dyslexia. From writing instruction, to the importance of evidence and the CLD's stance on diagnosing learning disabilities, she has a lot to share. The future of the CLD is in good hands with Dr. Collins' leadership!Here's her article on writing interventions: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19APKoZI2tTqWz07Oe4QGdmUVmuZowecf/view?usp=sharing

Dr. Amy Rogers is concerned about the challenges of the small town school districts. We chat about what those challenges are and how we can be resourceful when the odd are not in the favor of the small town school district.