In her May 7th article, CA State PTA Adopts Statewide Dyslexia Resolution, Tobie Meyer states that, “The California State PTA voted UNANIMOUSLY in favor of adopting a statewide resolution entitled “Dyslexia: Addressing the Educational Implications in Public Schools” submitted by San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs with help from Decoding Dyslexia CA (DDCA). This is incredibly important for the advancement of services of dyslexic students. This resolution asserts that public schools need to better address the needs of the dyslexic student by including:
- Teacher training in dyslexia and its warning signs and training in appropriate evidence-based Structured Literacy Instruction (in accordance with the International Dyslexia Association’s Knowledge & Practice Standards for Teachers of Reading);
- Early screening for symptoms of dyslexia in kindergarten through the third grade, with parental notification; and
- To promote knowledge of appropriate accommodations for dyslexic students.
This is critical, because how can a teacher address dyslexia in a classroom when they are not trained to be aware of its warning signs or trained in the research driven methods that have been successful with dyslexic students.
“Dyslexia has been long overlooked in our public schools and this resolution provides clear direction for action. Every California child with dyslexia deserves the right to read, spell, and work to his or her full potential,” states Marilyn Lucey, President of San Ramon Valley Council of PTAs. “The passing of this resolution is a door of opportunity opening for more children in California, not just children with dyslexia, but children with other outlying learning needs.”
Congratulations to the State of California PTA. It is only by the passing resolutions like this that dyslexic students will have the opportunity for success in our public schools.
A copy of the adopted resolution can be accessed at:
Progress! Passed Dyslexia Laws in the United States – 2016
PROGRESS! Here’s our 2016 snapshot of Passed Dyslexia Laws in the US. This is rapidly changing time for dyslexia legislation, so please update us with corrections, changes, or newly passed laws. Huge thanks to the Dyslexic Advantage Community, Decoding Dyslexia, and other leading dyslexia groups. Wow! Only 12 11states have no dyslexia laws on the books, but there’s some pending legislation too. : )
Addendum: Congratulations Virginia for its new law signed this month.
Alabama 2015 Dyslexia added to Alabama Administrative Code
Alaska – None
Arizona- 2015. S.B. 1461 Definition of Dyslexia, Continuing Education for Teachers, Dyslexia Exemption for 3rd Grade Retention Law
Arkansas- 2013. Act 1294 Meeting the Needs of Children with Dyslexia in Public Schools
California- A.B. 1369 Identification and assessment, program for to improve educational programs for dyslexia prepared.
Colorado – H.B.1223 Training and identification.
Connecticut- 2015. An Act Concerning Dyslexia. Assessment and Teaching Training.
Delaware- 2015. An Act to Amend Title 14 of the Delaware Code Relating to the Education of Students with Disabilities. Severe dyslexic students can waive state assessments. Evidence-based interventions.
Florida– 2015. John McKay Scholarships for IEP or 504 student to attend a public school other than assigned or private school for students with learning disabilities. State Board of Education Rule 6A-6.03018. Reading First.
Georgia – None.
Hawaii- 2010. S.B. 2217 Promotes awareness of dyslexia, assessment and identification, curriculum, interventions, training.
Idaho– None.
Illinois– 2014. HB. 3700. Assessment, professional development, intervention.
Indiana- 2015. H.B. 1108. Defines dyslexia and requires professional training programs.
Iowa – None.
Kansas – 2008. H.B. 5015. Screening, best practices for instruction, teacher prep.
Kentucky– 2012. H.B. 69. Includes dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalcaulia, phonemic awareness.
Louisiana- 2013. (R.S. 17:7:11) identification, assessment, intervention, accommodations.
Maine – 2015. LD 231. Definition, screening, consultant.
Maryland – 2015. H.B. 278 Dyslexia Task Force – Implementation of Education
Massachusetts -2011. H. 3680. Teacher training for continuing education.
Michigan – None.
Minnesota – None.
Mississippi– 2012. H.B. 1031. Scholarship to provide dyslexic students with school choice.
Missouri– 2012. H.B. 1031. Dyslexia therapy scholarship to attend a different public school or non-public school for multisensory education.
Montana– None.
Nebraska– None.
Nevada– 2015. AB 341 and SB 391. Dyslexia screening and intervention.
New Hampshire– None.
New Jersey-2014. PL2013 c 131, 105, 210. Dyslexia definition, minimum professional development, and screening for learning disabilities.
New Mexico– 2010. HB 2010. Recognize dyslexia, provide phonics-based tutoring as part of RTI.
New York- None except Dyslexia Awareness Day.
North Carolina-None. Dyslexia Topic Brief.
North Dakota– None.
Ohio– 2011. Dyslexia training for k-4 teachers. Pilot project for intervention (year 3 finishes Oct 2015).
Oklahoma- 2012. Dyslexia Training Pilot Program.
Oregon – 2015. H.B. 2412. SB 612. Teacher training, dyslexia screening, dyslexia specialist.
Pennsylvania– 2014. A.B.69 Dyslexia screening and early literacy pilot program.
Rhode Island – 2012. H 7542. Definition and intervention.
South Carolina– 2013. South Carolina Task Force Report.
South Dakota– None.
Tennessee– 2014. HB 1735 / SB 2002. Dyslexia is Real Bill.
Texas-2014 (Handbook). 2009. 1995. Dyslexia Screening and Treatment, Licensed Therapists. Dyslexia Handbook.
Utah– 2015. HB. 117 Pilot programs for professional development, literacy interventions K-5.
Vermont- None.
Virginia- 2016. HB 842. New teacher training in dyslexia.
Washington- 2009. Individuals with Dyslexia – identification and Instruction. Handbook.
West Virginia– 2014. Definition of Dyslexia Dyscalculia.
Wisconsin–2016. Education Guidance Document. 2014. Foundations of Reading Guide. Teacher Tests for new licenses
Wyoming–2012. S.B. Assessment and intervention.
