12 CAR Part 85 — Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Services

Chapter XIII

Subchapter A

Subpart 1

12 CAR § 85-101 Purpose {#sec-12-car-85-101 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-12-part-85--12 CAR § 85-101}

12 CAR § 85-101. Purpose.

(a) The purpose of this part is to establish guidelines for requiring:

(1) Newly committed inmates to undergo a reading assessment and dyslexia screening during the intake process;

(2) Inmates who read below the required proficiency level or demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia to be provided with appropriate intervention services;

(3) That current inmates receive information regarding dyslexia services; and

(4) That an individual who teaches at a school within the Arkansas Correctional School District demonstrate proficiency and awareness of the best practices of science-based reading instruction.

(b) Further clarification and information regarding the Arkansas Correctional School District Dyslexia Screening and Intervention Plan may be acquired through the Office of the Superintendent.

12 CAR § 85-102 Definitions {#sec-12-car-85-102 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-12-part-85--12 CAR § 85-102}

12 CAR § 85-102. Definitions.

As used in this part:

(1) “Dyslexia” means a specific learning disability that is:

(A) Neurological in origin;

(B)(i) Characterized by:

(a) Difficulties with accurate and/or fluent word recognition; and

(b) Poor spelling and decoding abilities.

(ii) These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language; and

(C) Often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities; and

(2) “Intake” means the diagnostic process where:

(A) Inmates are given medical, mental health, and academic examinations;

(B) Court papers are reviewed;

(C) Counselors gather information through interviews; and

(D) A general orientation takes place.

12 CAR § 85-103 Required screening {#sec-12-car-85-103 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-12-part-85--12 CAR § 85-103}

12 CAR § 85-103. Required screening.

(a) Upon intake, each inmate who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent will complete a:

(1) Reading proficiency-level assessment; and

(2) Dyslexia screening administered with fidelity.

(b) A minimum of two (2) assessment tools will be utilized for screening.

(c) Upon intake, nonstudent inmates identified as having characteristics of dyslexia will be offered an opportunity for further screening.

(d) Current inmates will be:

(1) Provided information regarding dyslexia; and

(2) Offered the opportunity for screening.

(e)(1) If the screener or screeners used initially show the student/inmate is at risk, or at some risk, then a Level I dyslexia screener shall be administered.

(2) The Level I dyslexia screening of the student/inmate shall be performed with fidelity and include the following components:

(A) Phonological and phonemic awareness;

(B) Sound symbol recognition;

(C) Alphabet knowledge;

(D) Decoding skills;

(E) Rapid naming skills; and

(F) Encoding skills.

12 CAR § 85-104 Intervention and services {#sec-12-car-85-104 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-12-part-85--12 CAR § 85-104}

12 CAR § 85-104. Intervention and services.

(a) If the diagnostic assessment or assessments indicate markers of dyslexia, new intake inmates will be provided dyslexia intervention with fidelity, as defined under Arkansas Code § 6-41-602, that is evidence-based and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.

(b) Educational and medical history will also be used to assist in determination of appropriate intervention services.

(c) Continued support for individuals will be based on progress monitoring of assessment data and individualized to the needs.

(d)(1) Arkansas Correctional School District students reading below required proficiency level will receive ongoing support and intervention services intended to advance reading levels.

(2) This support will be provided utilizing evidence-based programs for intervention.

(e)(1) Nonstudent inmates who choose to attend available support sessions will receive ongoing support and intervention services intended to advance reading levels.

(2) This support will be done utilizing evidence-based programs for intervention.

(f)(1) The process for notifying all current inmates of available dyslexia screening and intervention services will utilize multiple methods.

(2) These may include, but are not limited to:

(A) Posters;

(B) Television; and

(C) Verbal communication.

12 CAR § 85-105 Professional awareness and development {#sec-12-car-85-105 omnilex-key=us-ar-regs-official--title-12-part-85--12 CAR § 85-105}

12 CAR § 85-105. Professional awareness and development.

Teachers within the Arkansas Correctional School District will be provided with professional development and demonstrate an awareness of the best practices of scientific reading instruction as required under the Right to Read Act, Arkansas Code § 6-17-429.