Rep. Bolinsky Supports Students with Dyslexia
HARTFORD – Today, Representative Mitch Bolinsky (R-Newtown) supported legislation to ensure earlier diagnosis of students with dyslexia. The measure will also provide the kind of special instruction needed by individuals with dyslexia, a language-based learning disability which requires special learning strategies to ensure an individual’s language skills, particularly reading, are receiving adequate instruction from qualified teachers.
Senate Bill 317 requires that applicants seeking teacher certification in areas such as remedial reading, remedial language arts, and reading consultation undertake further training in order receive qualification. These teachers will be required to complete a reading and language diagnosis and remediation program that includes supervised practicum hours and instruction in the detection, and proper teaching, of students with dyslexia.
“Having a well-trained teacher who can understand a student’s unique challenges and formulate a special learning strategy is crucial in helping students who have dyslexia,” said Bolinsky. “By making sure that our reading teachers are prepared to provide effective detection and instruction, we can prevent children from falling behind, giving them the best chance to succeed in their education and in life.
“This will also help us put students whose learning challenges may have gone unnoticed for too long find appropriate strategies to catch up and be successful. Especially with dyslexia, early detection is the key to changing lives. Teachers with this preparation will have the ability to make a big difference in a person’s life.”
The bill, of which Rep. Bolinsky is a long-standing cosponsor, passed out of both chambers of the General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature. The 2016 legislative session adjourns at midnight on Wednesday, May 4th.