Spring Branch ISD Featured News

October is National Dyslexia Awareness Month.

For Jill Hyland, a sophomore at Stratford High School in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD), it’s much more than an observance; it’s a time to make a real impact on students like herself who struggle with the daily realities of dyslexia.

"Reading can be particularly tough, especially when I need to read faster to keep up with my peers," Jill said.

Jill has not let her dyslexia define her. Instead, she has advocated for herself and other students by becoming involved in state legislative issues, including the recent passage of House Bill 3928 (HB3928).

The law mandates that students identified with dyslexia receive appropriate accommodations and interventions tailored to meet their needs, ensuring that dyslexia identification and support are more systematic across state school districts.

Even though Jill won't directly benefit from the bill, she is proud to lend her voice to students following in her footsteps, including her cousins. She is also inspired by state lawmakers with dyslexia who have achieved great things.

"We need to continue to raise awareness of dyslexia so that all kids have an opportunity to reach their full potential," she said.

Jill's journey with dyslexia has profoundly impacted her mother, Jennifer, who has emerged as a fierce champion for her daughter and other students with dyslexia.

"Early intervention is key to helping students overcome dyslexia," Jennifer said. "If a parent or teacher notices something off with a child's learning patterns, I encourage them to trust their instincts and figure out the root cause as soon as possible."

While Jill's advocacy efforts focus on Texas, dyslexia is a nationwide issue, affecting roughly 20% of the population. Yet misconceptions about it remain, creating barriers that Jill and Jennifer are tackling one conversation at a time.

Jill's advice to others dealing with dyslexia is simple yet powerful: "Work hard and keep trying. Don't ever give up."

Her determination to make a difference benefits others, ensuring that future generations of students don't face the same struggles she did without adequate support.

Through her advocacy, Jill shows that even at a young age, one voice can spark change—making the future a little brighter for everyone and offering hope to the dyslexia community.

#SBISDProud

Save the date and join us!

Mark your calendars for SBISD's Dyslexia Parent Awareness sessions this November. Join us for “Experience Dyslexia & Learning” at Memorial Drive Elementary on Nov. 12 and at Pine Shadows Elementary on Nov. 19, both starting at 5:30 p.m.

In January, we will host a virtual Dyslexia Student Panel—more details will be available soon.