Bill > HB1891

This bill mandates that starting in the 2028-2029 school year, Hawaii's public schools must implement "dyslexia sensitive linguistically appropriate universal screening" for all students in kindergarten through third grade and any new students entering the public school system, as part of their existing universal screening process. This screening will assess various foundational reading and language skills. For students identified with dyslexia or struggling readers, schools are required to provide "evidence-based interventions" within the "Hawaii multi-tiered system of supports" framework, which is a system for providing tiered academic and behavioral support based on student needs. The Department of Education will also offer professional development for teachers on "structured literacy instruction," an explicit and systematic approach to teaching reading and writing skills, and will collaborate with universities to ensure that future teachers are trained in this method. The bill defines dyslexia as a neurological learning disability affecting word recognition and spelling, and clarifies terms like "dyslexia sensitive linguistically appropriate universal screening," "Hawaii multi-tiered system of supports," and "structured literacy instruction." Additionally, it appropriates funds for dyslexia-sensitive universal screeners for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, with the entire act set to take effect on July 1, 3000.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=1891&year=2026