Literacy Support Tool · Grades 6–8

Read&Write

Browser extension providing text-to-speech, word prediction, and reading support tools across all websites

Owned by: Texthelp Ltd. — UK-based company, Belfast

Browser extension
Runs across all websites visited
6–8
Grade range at LMSD
UK-based
Belfast, Northern Ireland
GDPR+FERPA
Dual regulatory environment

Read&Write by Texthelp is a browser extension that adds literacy support tools — text-to-speech, word prediction, dictionary, picture dictionary, and highlighters — to any website or document a student visits in their browser. It was designed as an accessibility tool for students with dyslexia, reading disabilities, and other learning differences, and is widely recommended by learning specialists. Texthelp is a UK company based in Belfast, Northern Ireland, which means student data may be subject to UK GDPR rather than U.S. FERPA — an important distinction for American families.

The Full Picture

The Good

  • Genuine accessibility value — text-to-speech and word prediction are evidence-based supports for students with dyslexia and reading disabilities
  • Works across all websites, not just a single platform — supports reading in Google Docs, CommonLit, and any other tool
  • Word prediction supports students whose fine motor challenges make typing slow and frustrating
  • Picture dictionary is genuinely useful for English Language Learners
  • Teacher dashboard shows which tools students are using — useful for identifying students who may need formal evaluation

The Bad

  • A browser extension that runs across ALL websites has access to a student's complete browsing behavior — not just educational content
  • Used as a universal tool for all students rather than targeted support, it can prevent students from building independent reading and spelling skills
  • UK data governance means student data may be processed under UK GDPR rather than U.S. FERPA — different rights, different protections
  • Texthelp's teacher dashboard tracks which tools a student uses, which can inadvertently label students who use accessibility features
  • Word prediction as a default tool trains students to select predicted words rather than independently generate vocabulary

The Worse

  • A browser extension with access across all websites is the most intrusive category of EdTech from a privacy perspective — it can observe everything a student does in their browser, not just within a single app
  • Data processed in the UK is subject to post-Brexit UK GDPR — which provides similar but not identical protections to EU GDPR, and is not the same as U.S. FERPA
  • Texthelp has expanded its product line to include AI-powered writing and reading tools — the extent to which student data trains these models is not fully disclosed
  • Students who rely on read-aloud for comprehension but do not have a documented disability may be developing a dependency that is not flagged for intervention

Privacy Deep-Dive

Extension Scope

Runs in the browser across all websites — access to page content on any site visited by the student

UK Jurisdiction

Texthelp is incorporated in Belfast, UK; subject to UK GDPR and UK data protection law post-Brexit

Data Collected

Pages where tools are activated, tools used, frequency of use, documents processed by text-to-speech

FERPA

Texthelp enters FERPA-compliant DPA with U.S. school districts; data not sold

AI Features

Texthelp's AI writing and reading products (Equatio, Fluency Tutor) may process student content — confirm which products LMSD has licensed

Parent Access

Parents can request student usage data through the district; no direct parent portal

International data transfer: Texthelp is a UK company. Your child's data may be processed in Northern Ireland under UK GDPR. Ask LMSD for the specific data processing addendum (DPA) governing the Texthelp / Read&Write contract, including where data is stored and which law governs disputes.

What It Replaces in the Classroom

Text-to-speech read-aloud
↓ on a screen
Teacher or paraprofessional read-aloud; audio textbook (for students with documented IEP need)
Word prediction for all students
↓ on a screen
Targeted vocabulary instruction and handwriting practice for independent word generation
Digital highlighter
↓ on a screen
Physical highlighter on printed text
Browser-based accessibility tool
↓ on a screen
Documented accommodations in the student's 504 or IEP with targeted, appropriate supports

Questions for the District

Is Read&Write provided to all students or only to those with documented IEP/504 accommodations?
Where is student data processed — U.S. servers or UK/EU servers — and which privacy law governs?
Does LMSD have a current DPA with Texthelp that addresses UK GDPR compliance and data transfer to the U.S.?
What specific Texthelp products has LMSD licensed — Read&Write only, or also Equatio, Fluency Tutor, or other AI-powered tools?
How does LMSD ensure that Read&Write is used as a targeted support rather than a universal tool that may mask unidentified learning needs?

Sources

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