April 21, 2017

Hall, Stokes Vote for Enhanced Dyslexia Training for Educators

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HARTFORD – State Representatives Carol Hall (R-59) and Greg Stokes (R-58) recently voted in favor of legislation that requires special education teachers to undergo dyslexia specific training.

The legislation, H.B. 7254 – An Act Requiring Special Education Teachers To Complete A Program Of Study In Evidence-Based Structured Literacy Interventions For Students With Dyslexia, requires teachers applying for professional certification with a comprehensive special education or integrated early childhood and special education endorsement to complete a program of study in the diagnosis and remediation of reading and language arts. The program includes supervised practicum hours and instruction in the detection and recognition of, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for, students with dyslexia.

“I am proud to support this bill as it is a step towards providing a more comprehensive education for many children in our community who suffer from dyslexia,” said Rep. Hall. “Education definitely needs to be constantly changing in order to best suit the needs of our children and this bill is a step towards ensuring that our teachers are equipped with the tools necessary to have a positive impact on every student’s education.”

Addressing the needs of students who cannot read is the number one cost in special education. Of that, dyslexia is the biggest reason that many students have trouble learning to read. H.B. 7254 requires teachers who wish to be certified in Special Education receive training in evidenced based structured literacy to be able to successfully remediate students with dyslexia.

“When I was a child, many of these learning disabilities were not studied or diagnosed,” Rep. Stokes noted. “I am honored to be a part of a legislature that is tackling these issues in a way that will surely be of dual benefit to not only the students, but the teachers as well. H.B. 7254 is a step in a positive direction that ensures our children will be taught in a way that gives them the tools they need to succeed in the future – no matter career path they choose.”

Both Representatives Hall and Stokes are also co-sponsors of H.B. 7254 and voted in favor of the bill in the legislature’s Education Committee.

H.B. 7254 passed the House of Representatives unanimously and now awaits further action before the Senate.

For more information, please contact the representatives by calling (860) 240-8700 or by emailing Carol.Hall@cga.ct.gov or Greg.Stokes@housegop.ct.gov.