100 signatures reached
To: VT State Legislators
Support Literacy Bills Recognizing Dyslexia and Structured Literacy Intervention Services
VERMONT RESIDENTS: Dyslexia bills were introduced this legislative session. Please vote for a literacy bill that includes:
1) Adding a definition of Dyslexia (Specific Learning Disorder with Impairment in Reading) to our state educational codes.
2) Mandatory universal screening for Kindergarten - grade 2. Screening areas must include: phonological and phonemic awareness, sound symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, rapid naming skills and encoding.
3) Mandatory teacher training in Dyslexia that includes awareness of warning signs, and training on providing structured literacy intervention services that are multi-sensory, explicit, systematic, cumulative and diagnostic.
Why is this important?
Dyslexia is a proven neurological disorder that negatively impacts students. Yale University has conducted research that suggests that 20% of the population has dyslexia, even though it is not always diagnosed. (See https://www.dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/what-is-dyslexia/). Obtaining a diagnosis is critical because it helps students gain access to the intervention services and accommodations that they need to succeed in school.
Other research shows that by 4th grade, if students haven't developed strong reading skills, they have a higher risk of dropping out of high school. Studies show there is a disproportionate number of people that are incarcerated that have Learning Disabilities. Therefore, providing early detection and appropriate intervention services is a more economical and wiser investment than paying for remediation and other services that are often required to support students as they age.
Over 40 states have Dyslexia Laws included in their educational codes. Isn't it time that Vermont joins this movement? Our Vermont children (estimated 1 in 5) that are struggling readers, deserve better. VERMONT RESIDENTS: Please sign this petition and contact your State Representatives and encourage them to support a literacy bill with the features noted above.