Louisiana Dyslexia Resources
Louisiana requires kindergarten dyslexia screening and supports structured literacy intervention.
More about dyslexia help in Louisiana
Louisiana requires a dyslexia screener for every public-school student in the second half of kindergarten and on request. Families receive notice when screening shows risk and may request a core assessment.
The Louisiana Department of Education publishes dyslexia guidance, family resources, and dispute-resolution help. Ask the school for screening, intervention, and a full evaluation when reading concerns continue.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Louisiana.
Free parent help
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans
Free parent training, information, referral, and advocacy for disability services.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Louisiana Department of Education Dyslexia Guidance
Official guidance on screening, evaluation, and structured literacy support for dyslexia.
FreeSpecial education office
Louisiana Department of Education Special Education
State special education rights, dispute resolution, and ombudsman help for families.
Free1-877-453-2721, Option 2
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia Louisiana(opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia association
International Dyslexia Association Louisiana Branch(opens in a new tab)
Department of education
Louisiana Department of Education(opens in a new tab)
Adult reading help
Louisiana Adult Education Network(opens in a new tab)
Job help for adults
Louisiana Rehabilitation Services(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Louisiana
The steps and deadlines in Louisiana rules.
Ask for screening
Ask the teacher or school for a dyslexia screening in writing. Louisiana provides the screener at no cost and allows a parent to request it at any grade.
- Time limit: 30 days
Review the results
If screening shows risk, the school must notify the parent within 30 days. Ask for the core assessment if you want a fuller dyslexia assessment.
- Time limit: 30 business days
Request the core assessment
After an at-risk result, ask the school or an approved provider. The school has 30 business days to finish. You may ask once a year, if state funds allow.
- Time limit: 60 business days
Consent to a full evaluation
Ask in writing for a full school evaluation and sign consent. The school has 60 business days to finish it, unless you agree to more time.
- Time limit: 30 days
Review the IEP
If your child qualifies, the IEP must be written within 30 calendar days after the evaluation. Services start within 10 school days after that.
Use dispute options
If you disagree, ask about an independent educational evaluation, mediation, a state complaint, or due process through the Louisiana Department of Education.
Louisiana dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
Public schools must screen each student in the second half of kindergarten, and must screen at a parent or teacher request.
La. R.S. 17:392.11(B) (2023)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
Schools must provide evidence-based multisensory structured reading instruction for dyslexia during the regular school day.
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
Since 2024-25, new teacher-program students need three credit hours on dyslexia. Training on older students' reading follows in 2027-28.
R.S. 17:7.2(A)(8), (D); Act 607 (2022); Act 964 (2026) (2022)
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
State law defines dyslexia as an unexpected reading difficulty commonly caused by phonological-processing difficulty.
La. R.S. 17:392.11(A) (2023)
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
The Louisiana Department of Education publishes a dyslexia guide and family handbook explaining screening, referral, and support.
State dyslexia specialist
Not sure
What it says
Districts must assign dyslexia-trained staff to oversee assessment; a state-agency dyslexia coordinator was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
Now: K-3 reading must be taught step by step, and three-cueing materials are banned. Duties for grades 4-8 start in 2027-28.
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Louisiana
Pick what you need.
Help with IEPs and 504 plans
Free experts who know the rules.
Families Helping Families at the Crossroads (opens in a new tab)
Serves Avoyelles Parish, Concordia Parish, and 6 more counties
Education rights information and family support in central Louisiana.
Families Helping Families of Northeast Louisiana (opens in a new tab)
Serves Ouachita Parish, Richland Parish, and 10 more counties
Education information, referrals, and peer support for families in northeast Louisiana.
Families Helping Families of Southwest Louisiana (opens in a new tab)
Serves Allen Parish, Beauregard Parish, and 3 more counties
Free special education help and peer support for families in five southwest parishes.
Families Helping Families Region 7 (opens in a new tab)
Serves Bienville Parish, Bossier Parish, and 7 more counties
Special education guidance, parent groups, and referrals in northwest Louisiana.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Louisiana Dyslexia Core Assessment Support Program (opens in a new tab)
Up to $500 yearly toward approved dyslexia testing; apply before scheduling.
Dyslexia Resource Center (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia testing for children and adults, plus online reading therapy for students.
Louisiana Center for Dyslexia and Related Learning Disorders (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia evaluations for students and adults; separate college support for enrolled Nicholls students.
Louisiana State University Psychological Services Center (opens in a new tab)
Income-based testing for reading and other learning disorders in students and adults.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Steve Carter Tutoring Program (opens in a new tab)
Up to $1,500 yearly for approved after-school reading or math tutoring for eligible K-12 students.
University of Louisiana Monroe Specialized Literacy Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Fall and spring reading and writing support for students with persistent literacy difficulties.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Louisiana Assistive Technology Access Network (opens in a new tab)
Free assistive technology demonstrations, with device loans and financing options.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Adult Literacy Advocates (opens in a new tab)
Basic reading classes and one-to-one tutoring for adults age 18 and older in Baton Rouge.
Louisiana Delta Community College Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Free adult reading and writing classes across northeast Louisiana, with some online classes.
Northwest Louisiana Technical Community College Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Bienville Parish, Caddo Parish, and 3 more counties
Free adult reading and writing classes in northwest Louisiana, with some online options.
Volunteer Instructors Teaching Adults (opens in a new tab)
Adult reading classes and volunteer tutoring in Lafayette and Opelousas, with distance learning.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Louisiana Association for Public, Community and Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Professional learning and a statewide network for adult education teachers.
The Center for Literacy & Learning (opens in a new tab)
Louisiana dyslexia resource guide and specialist preparation for educators.
Schools for dyslexia in Louisiana
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
8 of 8 shown
- Public dyslexia program
Louisiana Key Academy Caddo(opens in a new tab)
Shreveport · Caddo Parish · Grades 1-6
Tuition-free dyslexia charter school in Shreveport, with daily structured reading instruction.
- Public dyslexia program
Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge(opens in a new tab)
Baton Rouge · East Baton Rouge Parish · Grades 1-8
Tuition-free dyslexia charter school in Baton Rouge, with daily structured reading instruction.
- Dyslexia school
The Brighton School(opens in a new tab)
Baton Rouge · East Baton Rouge Parish · Grades K-12
Orton-Gillingham reading therapy in a K-12 school for students with dyslexia.
Financial aid - Public dyslexia program
Louisiana Key Academy Jefferson(opens in a new tab)
Metairie · Jefferson Parish · Grades 1-5
Tuition-free dyslexia charter school in Metairie, with structured reading instruction.
- Public dyslexia program
Louisiana Key Academy Northshore(opens in a new tab)
Covington · St. Tammany Parish · Grades 1-7
Tuition-free dyslexia charter school in Covington, with structured reading instruction.
- PrivateClassroom program
Metairie Park Country Day School(opens in a new tab)
Metairie · Jefferson Parish · Grades PK-12
Fundations phonics, spelling, and handwriting in the lower school.
- Public district
Caddo Parish Public Schools(opens in a new tab)
Caddo Parish
District dyslexia evaluation and support office, with school-based reading services.
Dyslexia contact - Public districtClassroom program
West Baton Rouge Parish School System(opens in a new tab)
West Baton Rouge Parish
Wilson Fundations phonics in K-3, documented in the district's May 2026 literacy report.
Dyslexia help by county in Louisiana
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Louisiana reads
Students and adults, next to the whole U.S.
4th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
8th graders reading at Proficient
Public schools. The Nation's Report Card (NAEP), 2024
Adults who struggle to read
Ages 16 to 74 at or below Level 1 in a national adult skills survey (PIAAC), data through 2017
NAEP Proficient is a high bar, not the same as “on grade level.” Adult figures are model estimates. Sources: The Nation’s Report Card and the U.S. PIAAC Skills Map, both from NCES.
See reading scores in every stateAlso good, in every state
Bookshare (opens in a new tab)
Ebooks read aloud with highlighting, free for U.S. students with dyslexia; adults pay a yearly fee.
Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR) (opens in a new tab)
Find your state's federally funded parent center for help with special education.
International Dyslexia Association (IDA) Provider Directory (opens in a new tab)
Search IDA's directory for dyslexia testing, tutoring, therapy, and advocacy near you.
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) (opens in a new tab)
Free, confidential advice on job accommodations for adults with dyslexia, by phone or email.
Learning Ally (opens in a new tab)
Human-read audiobooks for students with dyslexia. Families pay yearly; your school may already offer it.
National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled (NLS) (opens in a new tab)
Free audiobooks by mail or app for children and adults with a reading disability like dyslexia.
Louisiana dyslexia questions
Does Louisiana screen for dyslexia?
Yes. Public schools screen students in the second half of kindergarten, and parents may request screening.
SourceCan I get help paying for testing?
Public-school students with a school at-risk letter may qualify for up to $500 yearly toward approved testing. Apply before scheduling; families pay costs above $500.
SourceDoes dyslexia automatically mean an IEP?
No. A full evaluation decides special education eligibility. Students who do not qualify may still get dyslexia help at school under state policy.
SourceWhere can I get free parent help?
Families Helping Families of Greater New Orleans is the statewide Parent Training and Information Center. The state also offers an education ombudsman.
SourceCan screening or intervention delay a full evaluation?
No. Schools cannot use screening or reading intervention to delay or deny an evaluation when a disability is suspected. Reading help should continue during the evaluation.
SourceWhat if the school refuses my evaluation request?
The state family rights guide says the school must give a written reason within 10 days. Ask the parent center or ombudsman for help with disagreement options.
SourceAre there schools for dyslexia in Louisiana?
Yes. This guide lists 5 schools built for students with dyslexia: Louisiana Key Academy Baton Rouge (Baton Rouge), Louisiana Key Academy Caddo (Shreveport), Louisiana Key Academy Jefferson (Metairie), and 2 more. Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Louisiana?
Yes. State Library of Louisiana Talking Books and Braille Library ((225) 342-4913) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Louisiana?
In 2024, 32% of Louisiana 4th graders scored Proficient in reading on the NAEP test (U.S.: 30%). Proficient is a high bar: solid grade-level reading and more.
Neighboring states
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Sources for this page (11)
- Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:392.11
- A Guide to Dyslexia in Louisiana
- Louisiana Dyslexia Family Handbook
- Family Special Education Resources
- Bulletin 1903 §110 — One request per academic year; core assessment and reimbursement subject to funding.
- R.S. 17:7.2
- legis.la.gov
- legis.la.gov — Act 964 section 3: grade 4-8 implementation begins 2027-28; adolescent literacy plans due September 1, 2026.
- legis.la.gov
- Bulletin 1508 §511, December 2025 — 60 business days; year-end and other agreed extensions require parental permission. Screening or intervention cannot delay evaluation under Bulletin 1903 §109(H).
- Louisiana Administrative Code § XCVII-105 — §105(A)(2)(b): services as soon as possible, no later than 10 school days. Summer IEP delay only with parental approval.
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Dyslexia resources in every state