Dyslexia

The California Dyslexia Guidelines include the International Dyslexia Association (IDA) definition of dyslexia:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge. (California Dyslexia Guidelines, p. 3)

The IDA adopted a revised definition of dyslexia in October 2025:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography. These difficulties occur along a continuum of severity and persist even with instruction that is effective for the individual’s peers. The causes of dyslexia are complex and involve combinations of genetic, neurobiological, and environmental influences that interact throughout development. Underlying difficulties with phonological and morphological processing are common but not universal, and early oral language weaknesses often foreshadow literacy challenges. Secondary consequences include reading comprehension problems and reduced reading and writing experience that can impede growth in language, knowledge, written expression, and overall academic achievement. Psychological well-being and employment opportunities also may be affected. Although identification and targeted instruction are important at any age, language and literacy support before and during the early years of education is particularly effective.

California Dyslexia Guidelines (PDF)
California Dyslexia Guidelines Work Group

Announcements

• California Dyslexia Initiative: A $4 million grant to be awarded to a county of education to develop and provide dyslexia-related professional development and resources

CDE Programs

• Special Education
  Information and resources to serve the unique needs of individuals with disabilities
  
  
• California Diagnostic Centers
  Testing to address educational needs of special education students
  
  
• Clearinghouse for Specialized Media & Technology (CSMT)
  Instructional resources in accessible formats for students with disabilities in California
  
  
• CALIReads
  A five-year project to improve literacy outcomes for adolescent students, including students with disabilities

Resources Outside CDE

• International Dyslexia Association
  Information and support for people with dyslexia
  • International Dyslexia Association—Northern California
  • International Dyslexia Association—Southern California
  • International Dyslexia Association—Los Angeles
    
    
• Decoding Dyslexia—California
  Dyslexia advocacy organization
  
  
• University of California—San Francisco Dyslexia Center
  Interdisciplinary team of preeminent scientists investigating developmental dyslexia and developing resources
  
  
• Literate Adolescents Intervention Project (LAIP) (PDF)
  One-year multi-component reading intervention for older struggling readers developed and implemented by California State University, Northridge
  
  
• The Reading League—California
  
  
• California Branch of The Reading League
  
  
• Learning Ally
  Audio library for those with print disabilities

• Bookshare
  Accessible books and periodicals for readers with print disabilities
  
  
• Eye to Eye
  Mentoring program for kids with learning disabilities, including dyslexia