HB 2137 Summary

• Extends the K-3 reading program deadline from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2027, and requires at least one K-3 teacher per school to receive dyslexia training by July 1, 2023.

• Requires all teacher certification programs to include at least 45 classroom hours or 3 college credit hours in research-based systematic phonics instruction, science of reading instruction, and dyslexia-related reading instruction and assessments.

• Mandates school districts and charter schools screen all kindergarten and grade 1 students for dyslexia indicators within 45 calendar days of school year start or enrollment, following a screening plan developed by the Department of Education.

• Appropriates $800,000 annually from the state general fund to school districts and charter schools for dyslexia screening and $280,000 annually to the Department of Education for staff positions, teacher professional development, and regional training on early literacy and dyslexia indicators.

• Establishes that screening for dyslexia indicators must assess phonological awareness, rapid naming skills, sound-letter correspondence, nonsense word fluency, and sound symbol recognition.