READ FIRST TIME 02/17/05.   

     AN ACT Relating to reading instruction; adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 44.28 RCW; creating a new section; providing expiration dates; and declaring an emergency.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature finds that research demonstrates that individuals with dyslexia process information in different areas of their brains than do nondyslexics. Current studies suggest that fifteen to twenty percent of the population has a reading disability. Of those, eighty-five percent have dyslexia. The legislature finds that with proper diagnosis, appropriate instruction, hard work, and support from family, teachers, and the community, individuals who are dyslexic can succeed in school and life. The legislature further finds that early identification and treatment is the key to helping dyslexics achieve.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The dyslexia reading instruction pilot program is created, and shall be known as "The Lorraine Wojahn Dyslexia Pilot Reading Program." The purpose of the program is to improve instructional methods for students with dyslexia. The superintendent of public instruction shall administer the program in up to five school districts, to the extent funds are available. School districts shall be selected from various regions of the state, including at a minimum northwest, southwest, and eastern regions, to participate in the program based upon research-supported assessment and treatment. The program shall include evaluation components. The program shall also focus on writing and speaking skills. Each program shall also focus on early identification of students with dyslexia.
     (2) The superintendent of public instruction shall conduct an evaluation of the pilot programs. Based upon the evaluation, the superintendent of public instruction shall provide information to educators throughout the state on effective practices in helping students with dyslexia.
     (3) This section expires June 30, 2010.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   A new section is added to chapter 44.28 RCW to read as follows:
     (1) The joint legislative audit and review committee, to the extent funds are available, shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of the identification of students with dyslexia and the effectiveness of the educational services received by students with dyslexia.
     (2) This section expires June 30, 2010.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.