Bill > SB1392

This bill addresses Hawaii's reading proficiency challenges by requiring the Department of Education to implement comprehensive dyslexia-related interventions starting in the 2026-2027 school year. Specifically, the bill mandates dyslexia-sensitive universal screenings for kindergarten through third-grade students, which will assess multiple aspects of literacy including phonological awareness, decoding skills, and oral reading fluency. Schools must use these screenings to identify students at risk for reading difficulties and provide evidence-based interventions through the Hawaii multi-tiered system of supports. The bill also requires the department to provide professional development for teachers on structured literacy instruction, which is an explicit, systematic approach to teaching reading that breaks down literacy skills into detailed components. Additionally, the bill defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with word recognition and decoding, and requires collaboration with pre-service teacher programs to ensure new educators are trained in supporting students with literacy challenges. The legislation aims to address Hawaii's current low reading proficiency rates by implementing a proactive, comprehensive approach to literacy education, making Hawaii the first state to enact such specific dyslexia-focused educational legislation.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=SB&billnumber=1392&year=2025