FL S0472

Creates section 1003.5712, Florida Statutes, defining dyslexia as a neurological learning disability characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities

Establishes a 5-year Dyslexia Choice Academy Pilot Project beginning in the 2016-2017 school year, expanding Duval County's GRASP Academy by 128 students and creating academies in five additional school districts

Requires each Dyslexia Choice Academy to enroll 96-128 students in grades 1-8 diagnosed with dyslexia and provide evidence-based instruction using the Orton Gillingham approach with multisensory, systematic teaching methods

Mandates participating school districts screen students for dyslexia characteristics, provide transportation, select trained personnel including a principal with dyslexia expertise, school psychologist, guidance counselor, and specialized teachers

Requires Department of Education to fund curriculum purchases and transportation costs, with Legislature appropriating funds for a 1:16 teacher-student ratio and 1:48 paraprofessional-student ratio in each academy