SB0343 Summary

• Requires all Illinois public school districts to screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for dyslexia risk factors using a State Board of Education-approved universal screener beginning in the 2024-2025 school year.

• Mandates that students identified as "at risk" or "at some risk" for dyslexia receive a comprehensive dyslexia screening, with parent/guardian consent required before proceeding.

• Requires dyslexia intervention services to use a structured literacy approach with explicit, direct, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, decoding, and comprehension.

• Directs the State Board of Education to employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or therapists with 5+ years of experience by January 1, 2025 to provide technical assistance and training to school districts.

• Requires school districts to report annually by July 1 on screened students, those identified with dyslexia, and intervention services provided, with results published on the State Board's website.