You are here

Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions

Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions

Illustrated teacher and student with book

Required by 2019 Wisconsin Act 86, Wisconsin's Informational Guidebook on Dyslexia and Related Conditions was created through collaboration between an advisory committee created by Act 86 and DPI. Feedback was solicited from advisory committee members at several points in the drafting process. In addition, the guidebook was available for 30 days of public comment.

Per Act 86, the informational guidebook discusses screening, instruction and intervention, and resources that can support improved learning for school-aged individuals with characteristics of dyslexia. The audience for the information is broad and includes but is not limited to parents and families, educators, interventionists or reading teachers, and educational leaders.

Per Act 86, each school district will include a link to the informational guidebook on dyslexia and related conditions. The school district link must be available no later than December 1, 2021.

The advisory committee and DPI believe that school/district teams - including family and community members - can use the guidebook as a tool for having conversations about how to continually improve a local equitable multi-level system of support to best meet the needs of all readers who struggle, including learners with characteristics of dyslexia. Schools/districts can use this guidance document for planning and engaging in conversations.

Wisconsin 2019 Act 86

Wisconsin 2019 Act 86 (Act 86) requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to collaborate with an advisory committee comprised of individuals representing the Wisconsin Branch of the International Dyslexia Association (WIBIDA) and the Wisconsin State Reading Association (WSRA) to create an informational guidebook about dyslexia and related conditions. As required by Act 86, the guidebook will contain:

  • Screening processes and tools available to identify dyslexia and related conditions
  • Interventions and instructional strategies that have been shown to improve academic performance of pupils with dyslexia and related conditions
  • Resources and services related to dyslexia and related conditions

The informational guidebook is shared on DPI’s website and must be linked to by each Wisconsin school district (by December 1, 2021). 

Act 86 requires the informational guidebook be updated every three years.

Advisory Committee

Outline of Wisconsin

The advisory committee provided input on guidebook. DPI completed the selection process for co-chairs and members according to the requirements included in Act 86. 

Click here for a complete list of advisory committee members, including co-chairs.

Act 86 requires each co-chair and advisory committee member guaranteed that they have no conflicts of interest (click here to access how Act 86 defines Conflict of Interest).

Public Input

All meetings of the advisory committee were held online. Each meeting was a public meeting; members of the public observed the meetings. The meetings were for advisory committee work and, therefore, did not include time for public comments or participation. Public notice of advisory committee meetings was posted on this website as they became available.

Although not required by Act 86, a draft of the informational guidebook was available for public comment for 30 days in spring 2021. 

Meetings of the Advisory Committee

Meeting # 1: Tuesday, September 29, 2020

(2:00 - 4:00 PM via Zoom)

Meeting # 2: Thursday, November 5, 2020

(9:00 - 10:30 AM, 11:00 - 12:30, and 1:00 - 3:30 PM via Zoom)

Meeting # 3: Tuesday, June 22, 2021

(8:30 AM - 12:30 PM via Zoom)

Additional Meetings of Sub Committees (Held as needed at discretion of co-chairs)

Instruction and Intervention

Resources and Services