On February 16, 2023, Senator Anthony Portantino (D-Burbank) introduced Senate Bill 691, which would require annual universal screening for the risk of dyslexia in grades kindergarten through second grade.
The text of the complete bill can be found at https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240SB69
SB 691 will:
- require schools to conduct K-2 annual universal screenings for risk of dyslexia and provide evidence-based literacy instruction, progress monitoring, and early intervention in the regular general education program for students at risk;
- consider the needs and strengths of English Learners in identifying appropriate screening instruments and practices;
- require the State Board of Education (SBE) to adopt an approved list of evidence-based, culturally, linguistically and developmentally appropriate screening tools;
- provide for the screening results and information on California Dyslexia Guidelines and Multi-Tiered Systems of Support to be made available to parents/guardians and teachers in a timely manner; and
- allow for parents/guardians to “opt out” of universal screening.
California is one of only a few states that does not require early universal screening for risk of dyslexia. This low-cost investment helps ensure children have equitable access to an education and saves schools the steep costs of academic remediation incurred when reading gaps are not identified and addressed early.
You can sign the petition if you would like to voice support for this bill.