Fairfield State Representatives Support Dyslexia Bill

From CT House of Reps: A bill aimed at enhancing work on dyslexia and providing improved support for children, teachers and other disciplines working in the area of dyslexia received the support of Fairfield State Reps. Brenda Kupchick (R-132) and Laura Devlin (R-134) in House of Representatives.

“I'm hopeful this will aid teachers and school administrators in identifying dyslexia in children. Early detection of dyslexia allows students to receive appropriate educational services.” said Rep. Kupchick.

Rep. Devlin said, “A program study of dyslexia, pre-service dyslexia training, and evidence-based structured literacy training will support special education teachers in properly teaching dyslexic children."

The bill requires teachers applying for certification for Special Education endorsement complete a program of study in the diagnosis and remediation of reading and language arts that includes supervised practicum hours and instruction in the detection and recognition of, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for, students with dyslexia.

The bill received support from Allison Quirion, the founder of Decoding Dyslexia-CT who testified at the Education committee’s public hearing stating Connecticut students with dyslexia are increasing while their test scores are decreasing and dyslexic students who do not have their dyslexia properly treated increase their risk of committing crime. The bill insures that students with dyslexia are properly educated.

The legislation, HB 7254, An Act Requiring Special Education Teachers to Complete A Program of Study In Evidence-Based Structured Literacy Interventions for Students With Dyslexia passed the House 136-0 and now heads to the State Senate for further action.

Image Courtesy of CT House Reps