Missouri Dyslexia Resources
Schools screen K–3 for dyslexia three times yearly. Ask for reading support and get free parent help.
More about dyslexia help in Missouri
Missouri schools screen for dyslexia and provide free Reading Success Plans for students with reading deficiency or dyslexia risk. From 2026-27, screening uses state-approved foundational reading assessments.
Families can request a special education evaluation and get free support from Missouri Parents Act. The usual evaluation and eligibility deadline is 60 calendar days after consent, with documented exceptions.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Missouri.
Free parent help
Missouri Parents Act
Free training and individual support for families of students with disabilities.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Dyslexia Guidance
State guidance on screening and structured literacy for students at risk for dyslexia.
FreeSpecial education office
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Special Education
State parent rights, translated safeguards, and special education dispute options.
FreeEspañolالعربية
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia Missouri(opens in a new tab)
Department of education
Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education(opens in a new tab)
573-751-4212
How to get help in Missouri
The steps and deadlines in Missouri rules.
Ask for a plan
Ask the school about screening results and a Reading Success Plan if your student has a reading deficiency, a positive dyslexia screen, or a dyslexia diagnosis.
- Time limit: 30 days
Request an evaluation in writing
Ask the school to evaluate your child for a suspected disability. It must answer in writing within 30 calendar days unless it documents a good reason.
Give informed consent
Review the proposed evaluation and give informed consent. Consent to evaluate is not consent to start special education services.
- Time limit: 60 days
Track evaluation and eligibility
The evaluation and eligibility decision are due within 60 calendar days after you give consent. Some documented exceptions apply, such as school breaks.
Plan services if eligible
If eligible, the school must hold an IEP meeting within 30 days of determining that special education is needed. Services start as soon as possible afterward.
Ask for help if you disagree
Ask about mediation, complaints, due process, or an independent evaluation at public expense if you disagree with the school's evaluation.
Missouri dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
K–3 dyslexia screening is three times yearly; from 2026-27 schools must use state-approved foundational reading assessments.
RSMo § 167.950; OCCR-26-01 (2016)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
Students with substantial reading deficiency or dyslexia risk/diagnosis get free intensive reading support through Reading Success Plans.
RSMo § 167.645 (2022)
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
The law requires two hours of in-service training on dyslexia and related disorders for practicing teachers.
RSMo § 167.950 (2016)
Dyslexia defined in law
Yes
What it says
Missouri statute defines dyslexia as a neurological disorder affecting accurate and fluent word recognition, spelling, and decoding.
RSMo § 167.950 (2016)
State dyslexia handbook
Yes
What it says
The state publishes dyslexia guidance; use the May 2026 assessment memo for current screening rules.
State dyslexia specialist
Not sure
What it says
State literacy staff and regional dyslexia consultants are documented; a separately titled statewide dyslexia specialist was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
Since August 28, 2025, word-reading instruction must primarily use phonics, not three-cueing or visual memory.
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Missouri
Pick what you need.
Official help
What your state says schools must do.
Missouri Reading Success Plan statute (opens in a new tab)
State law requiring reading assessments and free support plans for eligible students.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Miriam Learning Center Testing (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia and other learning-disability testing for students, with a free phone consultation.
Missouri RiteCare Clinic Finder (opens in a new tab)
Find free speech, language, and literacy help through eight Missouri partner programs.
University of Central Missouri Welch-Schmidt Center (opens in a new tab)
Low-cost reading and writing assessment and therapy in Warrensburg.
University of Missouri Learning Disability and Cognitive Difficulties Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Learning-disability evaluations for students and adults ages six and older in Columbia.
University of Missouri Speech and Hearing Clinic (opens in a new tab)
Reading and writing assessment and therapy for students and adults in Columbia.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Miriam Chesterfield Reading Tutoring (opens in a new tab)
Orton-Gillingham-based reading tutoring in Chesterfield; sessions are paid.
Springfield Center for Dyslexia and Learning (opens in a new tab)
Take Flight and early reading tutoring, in Springfield, at school, or online.
Truman State University RiteCare Early Literacy Lab (opens in a new tab)
Free early literacy assessment and support, mainly for kindergarten through grade four.
University of Missouri–St. Louis Literacy Clinics (opens in a new tab)
Free reading and writing assessment with instruction for students and adults.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Missouri Assistive Technology Device Loan (opens in a new tab)
Free five-week assistive technology loans, with shipping and prepaid returns.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Literacy KC (Kansas City) Adult Basic Education (opens in a new tab)
Free adult reading, writing, and high school equivalency classes in Kansas City.
Missouri State University-West Plains Adult Education and Literacy (opens in a new tab)
Free adult literacy classes across southern Missouri, with morning and evening remote options.
St. Louis County Library MindPlay (opens in a new tab)
Serves St. Louis County
Online reading lessons for eligible adult library-district residents; seats are limited.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
Churchill Center and School Community Outreach (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia workshops for families and Wilson reading training for educators.
Heart of Missouri Regional Professional Development Center Literacy Support (opens in a new tab)
Reading coaching and dyslexia training for teachers, offered to districts by the University of Missouri.
Northeast Missouri Regional Professional Development Center Dyslexia Training (opens in a new tab)
Dyslexia training and classroom resources for northeast Missouri teachers.
Schools for dyslexia in Missouri
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
5 of 5 shown
- Dyslexia school
Churchill Center and School(opens in a new tab)
Town and Country · St. Louis County · Grades Elementary-middle
Specialized school with one-to-one Wilson reading instruction and need-based financial aid.
Financial aid - Dyslexia school
Miriam Lower School(opens in a new tab)
Webster Groves · St. Louis County · Grades K-6
Small classes and individualized reading instruction that may include the S.P.I.R.E. program.
- Public district
Cole County R-1 School District(opens in a new tab)
Cole County
Reading tests, mid-year dyslexia screening in K-3, and Reading Success Plans for students who need them.
Screens for dyslexia - Public district
Wentzville School District(opens in a new tab)
Wentzville · St. Charles County
Reading checks with i-Ready in K-3, and extra reading tests when a student struggles or a parent asks.
Screens for dyslexia - Public districtClassroom program
Ferguson-Florissant School District(opens in a new tab)
Hazelwood · St. Louis County
UFLI phonics in K-2 classrooms and 95% Group reading lessons in grades 3-5.
Dyslexia help by county in Missouri
Local schools, groups, and services in each guide.
How Missouri 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.
Missouri dyslexia questions
Does a screening diagnose dyslexia?
No. Missouri defines screening as a short test; a positive result is not a medical diagnosis.
SourceWhat is a Reading Success Plan?
It is a school reading plan with intensive, evidence-based instruction and support for students with reading deficiency or dyslexia risk.
SourceIs a dyslexia diagnosis automatically an IEP?
No. A diagnosis alone does not establish special education eligibility. The student must also meet federal eligibility rules.
SourceCan screening delay an evaluation?
No. State guidance says dyslexia screening and classroom support should not postpone special education or Section 504 eligibility review when disability is suspected.
SourceWhen will I get my parent rights in writing?
The school must give you the parent rights notice and the Parents' Bill of Rights within five school days of a referral or your request for evaluation. Ask for translated copies if needed.
SourceHow can I get a second evaluation?
If you disagree with the school's evaluation, request an independent educational evaluation at public expense. The school must pay for one or ask for a hearing to defend its own evaluation, without unnecessary delay.
SourceWhere can I get free help with an IEP or 504 plan in Missouri?
Missouri Parents Act (800-743-7634) and Missouri Protection and Advocacy Services (800-392-8667) help families for free, by phone or in meetings with the school.
Are there schools for dyslexia in Missouri?
Yes. This guide lists 2 schools built for students with dyslexia: Churchill Center and School (Town and Country), Miriam Lower School (Webster Groves). Public districts with reading programs are listed too.
Can someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Missouri?
Yes. Wolfner Talking Book and Braille Library (800-392-2614) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Missouri?
In 2024, 27% of Missouri 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
- Arkansas dyslexia resources19 places to get help
- Illinois dyslexia resources27 places to get help
- Iowa dyslexia resources27 places to get help
- Kansas dyslexia resources26 places to get help
- Kentucky dyslexia resources26 places to get help
- Nebraska dyslexia resources23 places to get help
- Oklahoma dyslexia resources27 places to get help
- Tennessee dyslexia resources23 places to get help
Learn more
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Sources for this page (10)
- revisor.mo.gov
- revisor.mo.gov
- dese.mo.gov
- Missouri special education procedural safeguards
- dese.mo.gov — May 27, 2026 memo: beginning 2026-27 all screening/reporting uses state-approved foundational reading assessment; lists current testing windows.
- dese.mo.gov — Literacy office is confirmed; no inference that this equals a statewide dyslexia-specialist position.
- revisor.mo.gov — Effective August 28, 2025. Visual/context information may support comprehension but may not be used to teach word reading.
- dese.mo.gov — Exceptions: repeated failure/refusal to produce student, transfer under stated conditions, or documented just cause such as school breaks or illness.
- dese.mo.gov
- dese.mo.gov — Agency must fund qualifying independent evaluation or defend its evaluation in due process without unnecessary delay; not automatic reimbursement for any test.
We list official, nonprofit, university, and well-known services, checked by people. No paid listings. Not legal or medical advice; confirm details with each organization.
Dyslexia resources in every state