Bill > S06844

This bill establishes the "New York Individuals with Dyslexia Education Act", a comprehensive plan to identify and support students with dyslexia in kindergarten through fifth grade. The bill defines dyslexia as a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding, and requires all school districts to annually screen students for dyslexia risk factors using an approved screener. If screening indicates potential dyslexia, schools must notify parents, provide resources, and implement a multi-tiered system of support that includes daily dyslexia-specific interventions. These interventions must be provided by a trained interventionist for at least 45 minutes per day in a small group setting, using evidence-based approaches like Orton-Gillingham that employ multi-sensory, systematic, and explicit instruction. The bill also mandates that the state education department develop a comprehensive handbook about dyslexia, requires schools to hire dedicated intervention staff, and directs teacher preparation programs to include specific training on dyslexia identification and intervention. Additionally, the bill requires ongoing progress monitoring, parent notifications, and potential referrals for further evaluation if minimal progress is made after a year of intervention.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6844