Case Applauds Legislation Supporting Students Diagnosed With Dyslexia

HARTFORD-State Rep. Jay Case (R-63) voted in favor if a bill designed to help the thousands of Connecticut children struggling with reading skills due to dyslexia.

The legislation, SB 317, An Act Concerning Dyslexia, ensures that educators seeking endorsement as a remedial reading, remedial language arts, or reading specialist be equipped to engage and educate students with dyslexia. Following enactment of this legislation, affected teachers will need to complete a reading and language diagnosis and remediation program of study. Educators will receive instruction, including supervised practicum hours, on the diagnosis and remediation of Dyslexia, aligned with evidenced-based structured literacy interventions that have been proven to help these students become better readers.

“It is imperative that teachers know the indicators of dyslexia to aid in the process of early diagnosis. When dyslexia is identified and addressed at an earlier age it undoubtedly enhances the classroom learning environment for all,” said Rep. Case. “Early detection of a child with a learning disability is such a critical step in providing a tailored curriculum that assists students in reaching their full academic potential.”

It is estimated that 15-20 percent of children struggle with this condition. Dyslexia is defined as a learning disability that affects reading, specifically a student’s spelling and word recognition. Dyslexia is a neurobiological disorder and often does not have an effect on other cognitive abilities.

The bill passed unanimously in the House of Representatives and Senate, it now goes to the governor for his signature.

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