HB 655 Summary

• Establishes a state-approved dyslexia handbook describing educational strategies and resources for students with dyslexia characteristics, to be implemented by the state department of education.

• Requires school districts to provide reading intervention programs to kindergarten through grade 3 students identified with reading deficiencies on statewide assessments, with a legislative goal that every student reads at or above grade level by end of grade 3.

• Mandates individual reading improvement plans for students with reading deficiencies within 30 days of identification, created collaboratively by teachers, principals, parents, and school personnel.

• Requires kindergarten through grade 3 screening for dyslexia indicators including phonological awareness, rapid naming skills, sound-symbol correspondence, and decoding skills.

• Designates a state dyslexia specialist position to provide support and resources to school districts and charter schools for instruction and intervention for students with dyslexia characteristics.

• Requires school districts to include dyslexia training in their in-service education plans and mandates reading instruction coursework for all teachers on interim certificates or from out of state.

• Effective date: July 1, 2022.