CT HB06517

Establishes an Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities within the Department of Education, effective July 1, 2021, managed by a chief with expertise in higher education, dyslexia, and structured literacy.

Office must verify compliance of educator preparation programs and applicants for educator certificates relating to dyslexia instruction, including supervised practicum hours and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for students with dyslexia by September 1, 2022.

State Board of Education cannot approve any educator preparation program until the Office completes compliance verification beginning September 1, 2022.

Requires all initial educator certificate applicants to complete at least 12 clock hours of instruction in dyslexia detection, recognition, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions by September 1, 2023.

Mandates Department of Education to develop or approve reading assessments for kindergarten through grade three by July 1, 2022, to identify students below proficiency in reading with frequent screening and progress monitoring.