Bill > HB1784

This bill mandates that starting in the 2028-2029 school year, the Department of Education must administer a dyslexia-sensitive universal screening to all students in kindergarten through third grade to identify potential reading difficulties, with exceptions for Hawaiian language immersion schools and public charter schools. This screening will assess various foundational literacy skills, including phonological awareness (understanding the sounds in words), decoding (sounding out words), and rapid naming. The bill also requires that by the same school year, certain public school employees, such as general education elementary teachers, reading interventionists, and special education teachers, will have the opportunity to participate in training on structured literacy instruction, an evidence-based approach to teaching reading and writing. Furthermore, the bill requires the Department of Education to report to the Legislature and the Board of Education by the 2031-2032 school year on the implementation and impact of these new requirements, including student literacy outcomes and recommendations for improvement, and appropriates funds for the selection and administration of the dyslexia screening. The bill defines key terms like "dyslexia" as a specific learning disability affecting word reading and spelling, and "Hawaii multi-tiered system of supports" as a framework for addressing student needs through data-driven decision-making.

Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1784&year=2026