At the end of the 2016 legislative session, Missouri has passed legislation to address the needs of students with dyslexia. While many questions remain to be answered, this is an important step forward.
2. Legislation on Learning Disabilities
Missouri has just in the most current legislative session passed a bill specific to
dyslexia.
Prior to this, the state only had legislation for a specific learning disability in:
*basic reading skill
*reading comprehension
*reading fluency skill
3. Determination of Eligibility
To qualify for a specific learning disability in reading a student must:
*show a lack of response to a scientifically based intervention in one of the
previously identified areas
*have a documented pattern of strengths and weakness AND
one of the following:
*a minimum discrepancy of at least 1.5 deviations between the
student’s achievement level and identified intellectual
ability OR
*professional judgement may be use for those students who do not
4. Senate Bill 638
*Passed May 12, 2016
*Requires two hours of training on dyslexia for all teachers
*Requires mandatory screening and support for students with dyslexia and
related disorders
*Creates a Legislative Task Force to study dyslexia research and provide schools
with findings and recommendations
5. Questions to Address
*As this is a newly created law, there is still much to be interpreted.
*Schools are unsure of what the training for teachers should consist of and who will
be responsible for providing the training.
*Schools are unclear on which tool(s) will be approved to be use for screening
purposes.
*Schools also do not have adequate direction on the types of “support” that are
required to be offered.
*These requirements go into effect beginning with the 2018-2019 school year. More
specific information is expected from the Task Force by December 31, 2017
6. The Future of Dyslexia Education in Missouri
*This is a huge first step in addressing the needs of dyslexic students in the
state.
*Many teachers are eager to begin training to learn how to best help their
students.
*Ideally, state funding for training and support programs will be made available
to districts to best address student needs.
7. Advocacy Organizations in Missouri
*Decoding Dyslexia Missouri: decodingdyslexa-mo.org
-parent-led group advocating for children in Missouri with dyslexia
(branches in other states)
-offers online resources and monthly meetings in the St. Louis area
*Kansas/Missouri branch of the International Dyslexia Association
-local branch of the international group
-provides referrals for screening and tutoring as well as information on
local events for training
