GISD continues to develop premier dyslexia
program
Committed to providing the best in education, Garland ISD
is focused on preparing all learners for success. By enhancing
professional development, expanding offerings and welcoming new
opportunities, the district is cultivating one of the finest dyslexia
programs in the nation.
“GISD continues to make great strides as a premier district
for dyslexia services,” said Assistant Director of Dyslexia Marcy
Eisinger. “Over the last year, the GISD Dyslexia team trained
individuals serving every campus. An additional 35 teachers
completed a rigorous two-year training and are sitting for the
national exam to earn dyslexia therapist titles.”
Individuals who receive the esteemed national certification have
the highest level of training, understanding and addressing the
complex needs of students and classroom teachers.
In addition to fostering a network of experts, GISD seeks
innovative opportunities to help student achievement.
“We participated in a study with Harvard University regarding
early identification of dyslexia,” Eisinger revealed. “GISD increased
identification from less than one percent to over five percent. This
has been a great accomplishment for the success of our students. Our
screening efforts for those in kindergarten and first grade are helping
to ensure that our students are identified and supported early.”
Increasing dyslexia awareness has also been emphasized. With
parent groups, seminars, interactive sessions and a well-attended
annual symposium, the team is making historic advances.
“It is an honor to be the first in the nation to create and offer a
bilingual dyslexia simulation,” she stated. “Our program has been
recognized across the state, nation and even overseas. We have every
intention of not stopping here. Our efforts will continue to ensure
we deliver quality events and every opportunity to our families and
community.”
True to her word, the team continues to provide uninterrupted
live services for students through the district’s highly regarded
at-home learning platform. They will also host a virtual Dyslexia
Summer Camp for students in grades 1–12 in July.
Learn more about the impressive program at garlandisd.net/dyslexia.
Be counted
The 2020 census is underway, and data
shows many people are still unreported.
In fact, just 50 percent of the nation’s
population filled out the survey by the end
of April.
Why is participation important? School funding is one of many
things that rely on census data, so educational offerings could be
impacted from under-representation.
It has never been easier to respond. Simply access the internet on a
computer or phone and visit 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020
to be counted. All responses are confidential, and every living,
breathing person counts.
Rafael R. Valbuena Sr.
Class of 2004 // #TeamGISD
“With the education Garland ISD afforded
me, I was able to enter the legal field
directly out of high school. The DECA
program taught us leadership and the
importance of business. We were able to
help each other while working with a lot
of different personalities in a competitive
environment. This valuable experience
helped me build my own law firm.”
• Attended Sewell Elementary School, Webb Middle School
and North Garland High School
• Attorney, The Valbuena Law Firm, PLLC
2019–20 // Issue IV
6