Brief Description: Creating a dyslexia reading instruction pilot program.

Sponsors: Senators Kastama, McAuliffe, Weinstein, Haugen, Berkey, Rasmussen, Hargrove, Kohl-Welles, Franklin, Regala, Shin, Fraser, Jacobsen and Kline.

Hearing Date: March 21, 2005

Staff: Sydney Forrester (786-7120).

Background:

Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability, which results in students having difficulties with specific language skills, particularly reading. Students with dyslexia may experience difficulties in other language skills such as spelling, writing, and speaking. It is referred to as a learning disability because dyslexia can have an adverse affect on student academic performance.

The International Dyslexia Association estimates that 15 to 20 percent of the population has a reading disability and that 85 percent of those with a reading disability have dyslexia. Under state administrative rules, a student with dyslexia may qualify for special education services as a student with a specific learning disability. To qualify for special education services, it must be determined that the student's dyslexia adversely affects the student's educational performance and cannot be addressed exclusively through general education environment with or without individual accommodations.

Summary of Bill:

A pilot program for dyslexia reading instruction, known as The Lorraine Wojahn Dyslexia Pilot Reading Program, is created. The purpose of the pilot program is to improve reading instructional methods for students with dyslexia, with additional focus on writing and speaking skills and the early identification of students with dyslexia. The Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) will administer the program, to the extent funds are available, in up to five school districts selected from various regions of the state, including at a minimum, the northwest, southwest, and eastern regions. Participation in the pilot program must be based upon research-supported assessment and treatment. The SPI will evaluate the pilot program, and based upon the evaluation, provide information to educators throughout the state on effective practices in helping students with dyslexia. The pilot program expires June 30, 2010.

The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, to the extent funds are available, will study the effectiveness of the program in identifying students with dyslexia and the effectiveness of the educational services provided. The study must be completed by June 30, 2010.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Requested on March 17, 2005.

Effective Date: The bill contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.