HI HB675

Establishes that dyslexia is a neurological learning disorder affecting 15-20% of the U.S. population characterized by difficulties with word recognition, spelling, and decoding abilities.

Requires the Department of Education to develop and adopt reference materials on dyslexia for educators, students, and parents including definitions, characteristics, accommodations, and available services.

Mandates at least one licensed reading specialist per public school to provide specialized reading instruction and support to teachers of students with dyslexia and similar learning disorders.

Requires the Department of Education to provide professional development to educators on dyslexia awareness, multi-sensory structured language education, early screening and assessment, research-validated interventions, and progress monitoring.

Directs the Hawaii Teacher Standards Board to establish licensure standards for reading specialists relating to the needs of students with dyslexia and other literacy challenges, effective beginning the 2014-2015 school year.