Bill > HB1162

This bill modifies Mississippi's Dyslexia Therapy Scholarship program by expanding eligibility to include students in kindergarten, whereas previously the program started at first grade. The bill provides a comprehensive definition of dyslexia as a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding, which results from a deficit in the phonological component of language. It details the requirements for dyslexia therapy, which must be delivered by a licensed dyslexia therapist using specialized, research-based instructional approaches that include explicit, direct, systematic, and multisensory teaching methods. The legislation also mandates that local school districts screen students for dyslexia in the fall of kindergarten and first grade using specific components like phonological awareness, sound symbol recognition, and alphabet knowledge. If a student fails the screening, parents will be notified and may seek further evaluation from licensed professionals such as psychologists, psychometrists, or speech-language pathologists. The bill allows for comprehensive dyslexia evaluations and ensures that subsequent diagnoses can be used to determine eligibility for dyslexia therapy programs or scholarships. The changes will take effect on July 1, 2025, providing schools and families with time to prepare for the expanded program.