Dyslexia and Texas State Testing (STAAR) and Barton Reading System

I am unfamilar with the second question you have, but I can tell you that on STAAR there are very few students that qualify to have the reading passages read to them aloud. I work in a school of 2,700 + and there are less than 15 students who qualify for this, they are all Special Education students, they all have very strict IEP's in place, and many of whom have severe learning disabilities. The reason is that reading revolves around reading comprehension, not listening comprehension. The passages at the 3rd grade level are not too bad for reading, I would concentrate on working with her to read longer passages and then talk with her about their meaning to help her to prepare.
I'm not sure if that answers your question completely, but I hope it helps to explain the reasonsoning behind their logic.

I am not familiar with the testing. I am familiar with dyslexia. My daughter has it. She was diagnosed in first grade - In second grade we started her on the Orton Gillingham program, in my opinion the gold standard for teaching children with dyslexia to read. She received her tutoring from the The Masonic Learning Center - the program gave my daughter the greatest gift we could ask for - the love of books and reading. My daughter is now in 6th grade and with strategies and techniques learned int he program she has overcome most of her difficulties from her dyslexia. She loves to read
There are learning centers across the country - if interested you can google Masonic Learning Center or Childrens Dyslexia Center or a link I found for you where you can get more information http://www.srlearningcenter.org/

The centers are run by the scottish masons and NO I am not Scottish or a Mason - it doesn't matter.

I was right were you were 2 years ago. Of course it was another test instead of the STARR. My son was diagnosed in the 3rd grade (his 2nd grade teacher just thought he was a BAD BOY...) and he has ADHD... that's a lot for any kid to overcome. But he did. I think you are defiantly on the right track, just keep it up. What you might want to ask as far as the testing is if she can be given extra time to READ the passages. If I remember correctly they do have to give her extra time. I think with the extra time and you preparing her like you are she will probably do GREAT!
My son is now an avid reader, sure sometimes it takes him a little longer to read than other kids, but he is enjoying reading now and comprehends much more too. I think the biggest problem with these tests is the pressure it puts on both the kids and teachers. to much time is spent on preparing for JUST the tests. It's way to much!!

I am writing my dissertation on the negative affects of high stakes testing. They can only read the answers to her unless they "cheat" like many schools.
You do have the option of opting out of testing all together. You just keep her home on those days and say I want my child's education to be about more than a test. Sounds like you are doing so many good things for your child.
A good blog that is trying to do away with the testing is
http://dianeravitch.net/2013/02/22/what-the-best-and-wise...

Also the group Texas Kids Can't Wait (google it)
Good Luck!

The passages cannot be read to them. Only the questions and answers. She qualifies for the dyslexia bundle which means she can take two days to complete the test. Can she read to you everyday and you ask her questions? This would help her. Try to relax so the nervousness will not transfer to her. She needs to be relaxed and have confidence. Go to the tea website and look for released test questions for her grade level. Also Katy has a wonderful school supply store. See if you can find a book called STAAR Master reading for third grade. I use one for fourth graders in my class. The school purchased ours but most teacher supply stores have them. I hope this helps.

I TOTALLY agree with the other lady about the Orton-gill.....I have one of their "do it yourself" kits - I'm NOT the teacher type and I was overwhelmed with it so I just hired a tutor who did it - best money I ever spent. I still have the kit if you'd like to have it. Do you ever get to the Woodlands? Wish you had posted this last week, as my husband and I went to Rosenburg for the glass show, then came home thru Fulsher and Katy!!! I could have dropped it off to you!!!