The Goal of Dyslexia Laws
Posted by Tammi Brandon on 12th Feb 2020
Over the past several years, laws pertaining to dyslexia have sprung up at both the state and national level. Many of these laws have resulted from a strong and dedicated group of teachers, parents, and advocates, recognizing the dire need to help the prevalent number of people with dyslexia learn to read, effectively.
As many as one in five students have dyslexia. State dyslexia laws aim to provide more detail and support for struggling readers. Some states are running pilot programs, while others have gone as far as providing phonics-based tutoring to dyslexic students or even offer dyslexic students scholarships to schools that provide better intervention and accommodation.
THE MAJORITY OF STATE DYSLEXIA LAWS FOCUS ON ONE OF SIX MAIN THINGS
- Defining Dyslexia – What is dyslexia? How is it diagnosed? Who may diagnose it? What criteria must a student meet to be diagnosed?
- Screening – Who should be assessed for dyslexia? At what age/grade should students be assessed? What screening tools should be used? When should students be reassessed?
- Intervention – What type of intervention should be offered and by whom? How will progress be monitored? How often and for how long should intervention be available?
- Teacher Education – Should colleges and universities require training about dyslexia? Is there a specific training program that all teachers should undergo?
- Accommodations – What accommodations best suit students with dyslexia? How should accommodations be implemented in the classroom and on tests? How are they determined?
- Funding – Who is responsible for funding additional screening, interventions, and professional development?
While dyslexia laws are becoming increasingly prominent throughout the United States, advances are still needed in the areas of research, early identification, remediation, and accommodation.
For further information on dyslexia laws, check out the International Dyslexia Association’s website.
Written by Tammi Brandon, M.Ed., CDP
Tammi Brandon is a Master Instructor and Education Consultant with Brainspring Educator Academy
This blog was originally published in February 2017. Some legislative changes have been made since then, but more are necessary.
