BILL NUMBER: S7003

SPONSOR: HOYLMAN-SIGAL
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the education law, in relation to requiring all school
districts to screen all students for dyslexia and dysgraphia

 
PURPOSE:

The purpose of this bill is to ensure all students have early screening
for dyslexia and dysgraphia.

 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:

Section 1. Amends section 305 of the education law by adding a new
subdivision 60 to require the commissioner to require all school
districts to screen dyslexia and dysgraphia prior to entering kindergar-
ten. Notice of such screening will be provided to the parent or guardian
of each student, shall be printed in a clear and conspicuous manner, and
shall describe the screening methods. The parent or guardian will be
given the opportunity to opt out of the screening by checking the box
              

"do not screen my child."

Section 2. Sets forth the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Estimates show we have over 200,000 undiagnosed dyslexic students in New
York City alone. It's essential that we tailor our educational systems
to the needs of individual students, which must include early identifi-
cation and support for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.  The facts
show the devastating impact undiagnosed dyslexia can have on a young
person's life throughout their lifetime. One study found that nearly 50%
of inmates are dyslexic, more than three times the rate in the general
public. Another study found that dyslexic individuals earn 15% fewer
wages than their non-dyslexic peers. New York is failing hundreds of
thousands of our students by not adequately testing for dyslexia and
serving those with it. With this bill, we will begin to change that.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

To be determined

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
One hundred and eighty days after it shall have become law.