Establishes a center for dyslexia and dysgraphia

• Democratic11
• Republican3

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Studies have shown that as many as one in five children have dyslexia or another phonemic awareness issue, but to date there has not been a comprehensive statewide approach to identifying and addressing their needs. Educational research has unequivocally demonstrated that early identification of dyslexia, coupled with intervention and multisensory sequential phonics instruction drastically improves educational outcomes. In 2023 the Legislature passed Assemblymember Carroll's bill the Dysle- xia and Dysgraphia Task Force Act (A.133/S.2599), which was then signed into law by Governor Hochul in December of that year. The Task Force was comprised of teachers, school leaders, education experts, and individ- uals with or family members of people with dyslexia or dysgraphia and met throughout the summer and fall of 2024 and held three public hear- ings taking testimony from over one hundred members of the public. The Final Report of the Task Force includes fourteen recommendations pertaining to screening methods, professional development, and reading interventions and other educational supports for dyslexia and dysgraphia for students in kindergarten through grade five. Among these recommenda- tions is the creation of a state level Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Enshrining this Center in law will ensure the State maintains best practices over time. If established with a strong mandate and appropriate support, such a center will help thou- sands of children learn to read and become successful students and in addition will save public schools millions of dollars by reducing the need to pay for private special education services.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.