Vermont Dyslexia Resources
Schools screen reading every year in K–3 and must tell families when results are far below benchmark.
More about dyslexia help in Vermont
Vermont schools screen students in kindergarten through grade 3 each year. If results are significantly below the screener benchmark, the school must tell the family the results and its response within 30 calendar days.
Families can request a special education evaluation in writing. Vermont Family Network offers rights information, while the Stern Center and other literacy services provide evaluation or structured reading support.
Start here
The go-to contacts for families in Vermont.
Free parent help
Vermont Family Network
Free family support for special education questions; interpreters available on request.
FreeState dyslexia guidance
Vermont Agency of Education Literacy
Official reading-screening guidance, literacy laws, and family resources.
FreeSpecial education office
Vermont Agency of Education Special Education
Official special education rights, rules, forms, and family resources.
Free
More go-to contacts
Parent-led dyslexia group
Decoding Dyslexia-VT (Vermont)(opens in a new tab)
Adult reading help
Vermont Adult Education and Literacy(opens in a new tab)
Job help for adults
HireAbility Vermont(opens in a new tab)
How to get help in Vermont
The steps and deadlines in Vermont rules.
- Time limit: 30 days
Ask for screening results
Ask for the K–3 result and support plan. If results are significantly below benchmark, family notice of the result and response is due within 30 calendar days.
- Time limit: 15 days
Request an evaluation
Write to the district. Within 15 calendar days of receipt it must request consent, hold an evaluation planning meeting, or give written reasons for denial.
- Time limit: 60 days
Give written consent
The evaluation and report are due within 60 calendar days after the school receives your consent. Exceptions apply; ask about any delay.
- Time limit: 30 days
Plan the IEP
If eligible, the IEP is due within 30 calendar days of eligibility. Ask for reading goals, services, accommodations, and progress measures.
Ask about a 504 plan
A student who does not qualify for special education may still qualify for a 504 plan. Ask the school team about disability-related supports.
Get help if you disagree
Ask about an independent evaluation if you disagree with school testing. Vermont Family Network can explain mediation, complaints, and due-process options.
Vermont dyslexia law
Each answer opens to what the law says and where.
Dyslexia screening
Yes
What it says
Public and tuition-eligible approved independent schools screen every K–3 student at least once each year.
16 V.S.A. § 2907(b) (2024)
Help after screening
Yes
What it says
K–12 students with serious reading gaps must receive supplemental reading instruction; this clarification took effect June 27, 2025.
Teacher training
Yes
What it says
Since July 1, 2025, schools must provide K–3 teachers and administrators learning on screening, instruction, and family notice.
Dyslexia defined in law
Partly
What it says
Special education rules include dyslexia within specific learning disability; a separate state dyslexia definition was not confirmed.
State dyslexia handbook
Partly
What it says
Read Vermont provides literacy, screening, and family guidance; a separate dyslexia handbook was not confirmed.
State dyslexia specialist
Not sure
What it says
The Agency offers a literacy contact; a dedicated statewide dyslexia coordinator was not confirmed.
Science of reading law
Yes
What it says
K–3 instruction must be systematic, explicit, and evidence-based; reading support must address phonics and other foundational skills.
- Compare dyslexia laws in every state
Dyslexia testing, tutoring and support in Vermont
Pick what you need.
Help with IEPs and 504 plans
Free experts who know the rules.
Vermont Legal Aid Disability Law Project (opens in a new tab)
Free legal help for eligible Vermonters with disability-related education and other civil issues.
Get tested
School testing is free. Clinics add detail.
Stern Center for Language and Learning Evaluations (opens in a new tab)
Learning evaluations for students and adults, including dyslexia testing and need-based assistance.
Vermont Developmental Evaluation Programs (opens in a new tab)
Developmental evaluations for children, with a doctor's referral; intake checks if it fits your concern.
Tutoring and programs
Explicit, structured reading help.
Stern Center One-On-One Instruction (opens in a new tab)
Structured reading tutoring for students and adults, online or in person, with need-based assistance.
Audiobooks and tech
Keep learning while reading catches up.
Vermont Assistive Technology Program (opens in a new tab)
Try assistive tools with free 30-day equipment loans and free shipping.
Learn about dyslexia
Plain guides from trusted experts.
Vermont Department of Libraries Decodable Book Kits (opens in a new tab)
Ask your public library about decodable books for practicing letter sounds and reading fluency.
For adults
It is never too late to get help.
Central Vermont Adult Education (opens in a new tab)
Serves Washington, Orange, and Lamoille counties
Free adult reading and basic-skills classes in central Vermont, with online options.
Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (opens in a new tab)
Serves Caledonia, Essex, and Orleans counties
Free adult reading and basic-skills instruction in the Northeast Kingdom.
The Tutorial Center Adult Education and Literacy (opens in a new tab)
Serves Bennington County
Free adult reading and basic-skills help through Bennington and Manchester centers.
Vermont Adult Learning (opens in a new tab)
Serves Addison, Chittenden, and 5 more counties
Free reading, writing, and basic-skills help for adults, in person and online.
For teachers
Orton-Gillingham and structured literacy training.
University of Vermont Specialized Literacy Studies Certificate (opens in a new tab)
Online graduate literacy coursework and supervised structured-literacy practicum for educators.
Schools for dyslexia in Vermont
Each one has a documented reading program. Ask to see it.
7 of 7 shown
- Dyslexia school
The Greenwood School(opens in a new tab)
Putney · Windham County · Grades 6-12
Specialized boarding and day school for boys in grades 6–12, with intensive reading instruction.
BoardingFinancial aid - PrivateClassroom program
The Mountain School at Winhall(opens in a new tab)
Bondville · Bennington County · Grades K-6
Independent K–6 school using Fundations in the lower school; town-funded places and aid may apply.
Financial aid - PrivateClassroom program
St. Monica-St. Michael School(opens in a new tab)
Barre · Washington County · Grades PK-8
Catholic school using Fundations for phonics, spelling, and handwriting in K–3.
- PublicClassroom program
Waterford School(opens in a new tab)
Waterford · Caledonia County · Grades PK-8
Public school documents Fundations instruction in K–2 in its 2026–27 family handbook.
- PublicClassroom program
Barnard Academy(opens in a new tab)
Barnard · Windsor County · Grades PK-6
Public elementary school documenting Fundations in its literacy curriculum.
- Public districtClassroom program
Winooski School District(opens in a new tab)
Chittenden County
District literacy page documents Fundations and explicit teaching of reading foundations.
- Public district
Windham Northeast Supervisory Union(opens in a new tab)
Windham County
Public supervisory union documents universal reading assessment in K–8 and diagnostic reading tools.
Screens for dyslexia
How Vermont 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.
Vermont dyslexia questions
Does Vermont screen for dyslexia?
Vermont requires annual K–3 universal reading screening. The law addresses reading risk and support; a screener is not a dyslexia diagnosis.
SourceWhat if my child is far below the reading benchmark?
The school must determine evidence-based reading support and ongoing progress monitoring, then notify the parent or guardian of the result and school response within 30 calendar days.
SourceCan I request a special education evaluation?
Yes. Put the request in writing and keep a copy; Vermont Family Network provides dispute-resolution materials.
SourceWhere can adults get free reading help?
Vermont Adult Education and Literacy offers no-cost instruction in reading and writing for eligible adults through local centers across the state.
SourceCan someone with dyslexia get free audiobooks in Vermont?
Yes. Vermont Audio, Braille, Large-print, and Electronic Library ((802) 636-0020) lends free audiobooks to readers whose dyslexia makes print hard to read.
How well do students read in Vermont?
In 2024, 31% of Vermont 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
Learn more
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Sources for this page (8)
- 16 V.S.A. § 2907
- Foundation for literacy
- Literacy professional learning — Supervisory unions and tuition-eligible approved independent schools must provide professional learning and keep completion records. Effective July 1, 2025.
- Rules 2362.2.8 and 2365 — On an independent evaluation request, the district must without unnecessary delay fund it or seek a hearing to defend its evaluation; agency criteria apply.
- English Language Arts/Literacy — Confirms literacy contact only; does not establish a dedicated dyslexia coordinator.
- Vermont Family Network Special Education
- Adult Education and Literacy
- 34 CFR 300.11
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