A special education teacher works with a 7th-grade student diagnosed with dyslexia. What additional approach is likely to be most effective for this student?

• A. Use text-to-speech technology to support reading comprehension.
• B. Implement a strict phonics-only reading program.
• C. Encourage the student to memorize texts.
• D. Limit reading tasks to only short durations.

Answer: (A)

Using text-to-speech technology to support reading comprehension is highly effective for students with dyslexia. This approach allows the student to access texts aurally, which can enhance their understanding and engagement with the material without being hindered by their reading difficulties. Text-to-speech can help bridge the gap between what the student can comprehend when listening and what they may struggle to read, facilitating better learning outcomes.

Incorporating this technology also aligns well with Universal Design for Learning principles, which advocate for providing multiple means of representation to ensure all students can access the curriculum effectively. This method supports the development of literacy skills while accommodating the student's specific learning needs.

Each of the other options may not provide the same level of support. A phonics-only program may overlook the complexity of dyslexia and may not engage the student's strengths in auditory processing. Memorization can lead to a superficial understanding and does not promote literacy skills effectively. Lastly, limiting reading tasks to short durations might not address the root issues of reading difficulties and may restrict opportunities for practice and improvement.