SB 1173 Summary

• Requires school districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies to screen all pupils in kindergarten through grade 3 for word reading difficulties using reliable and valid universal screening assessments.

• Mandates provision of a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) with three instructional tiers for pupils identified as at-risk for dyslexia, emphasizing code-emphasis and structured literacy approaches grounded in cognitive science.

• Requires school districts to notify parents of screening results and provide resource materials about dyslexia characteristics, evidence-based interventions, and educational accommodations.

• Mandates teacher training beginning in the 2023-2024 school year on dyslexia characteristics, structured literacy approaches, and evidence-based interventions for all K-6 classroom teachers, special education teachers, and reading intervention personnel.

• Requires the Department of Education to develop dyslexia expertise and technical assistance resources, including guidance on screening, identification, treatment, and coaching for implementing multi-tiered support frameworks.