Require Screening for Risk of Dyslexia in CA Schools!

Ask Your Legislators to Support K-2 Universal Screening for Risk of Dyslexia

Governor Newsom has proposed provisions in the state budget and a trailer bill to improve literacy outcomes by requiring early identification and intervention for students who are at risk for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia.

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability with at least 10% of the general population having dyslexia—some estimate it to be over 15%. Hundreds of thousands of California children on the dyslexia spectrum struggle every day with reading at grade-level, often without the proper identification and support. Most school districts in California do not provide universal screening for students at risk of dyslexia, leaving teachers and staff without key resources necessary to help students.

Research supports the critical importance of early universal screening and early intervention in improving literacy outcomes for students at risk of dyslexia. Early identification and intervention with evidence-based strategies is key to helping children read and vital to their academic success. California is one of only 10 remaining states that doesn't require screening.

The Governor's proposed budget and trailer bill would require all local educational agencies serving students in grades kindergarten to grade 2 to screen every student for risk of dyslexia annually, unless parents or guardians choose not to have their child screened.

Help families and teachers achieve the best learning and life outcomes for all students.

SEND A LETTER BELOW to your CA Legislators and ask them to support universal screening for risk of dyslexia!

Supported by Parents Helping Parents in partnership with bill co-sponsor Decoding Dyslexia CA.

Content adapted from bill author Senator Anthony Portantino.

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Dear [Elected Official],

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I am writing to urge you to support Governor Newsom's proposed provisions in the state budget and the trailer bill to improve literacy outcomes by requiring early identification and intervention for students who are at risk for reading difficulties, including risk of dyslexia.

Dyslexia is the most common learning disability with at least 10% of the general population having dyslexia—some estimate it to be over 15%.  Hundreds of thousands of California children on the dyslexia spectrum struggle every day with reading at grade-level, often without the proper identification and support. Most school districts in California do not provide universal screening for students at risk of dyslexia, leaving teachers and staff without key resources necessary to help students.

Students with dyslexia can experience anxiety and other mental health conditions and are also less likely to graduate high school and attend college, and also experience higher rates of incarceration. In some prisons today, where nearly 80% of the inmates are illiterate, almost one-half of the inmates are on the dyslexia spectrum.

Research supports the critical importance of early universal screening and early intervention in improving literacy outcomes for students at risk of dyslexia. Early identification and intervention with evidence-based strategies is key to helping children read and vital to their academic success. California is one of only 10 remaining states that doesn't require screening.

The governor's proposed budget would require all local educational agencies serving students in grades kindergarten to grade 2 to screen every student for risk of dyslexia annually, unless parents or guardians choose not to have their child screened.

By screening all students for risk of dyslexia early, we can help families and teachers achieve the best learning and life outcomes for all students, close academic achievement gaps, and help end the school-to-prison pipeline. Please support families and teachers by supporting universal screening for risk of dyslexia in the state budget!

Sincerely, [Your information here]