MI HB5934

School districts, intermediate school districts, and public school academies must screen all kindergarten through grade 3 pupils and students in grades 4-8 with identified reading difficulties for dyslexia and decoding problems using reliable and valid universal screening assessments at least 3 times per school year.

Schools must provide multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) with evidence-based interventions grounded in the science of reading and code emphasis instruction (direct, explicit teaching of letter-sound relationships) for pupils identified as needing intervention.

High school students (grades 9-12) exhibiting reading difficulties must be screened for dyslexia characteristics and provided additional assessment data and intervention placement decisions as needed.

Schools must notify parents within 30 days if screening indicates intervention is needed, providing information about evidence-based instructional practices and the MTSS framework.

Department of Education must develop dyslexia expertise and technical assistance by 2023-2024 school year and ensure all certificated teachers and special education personnel receive professional learning on dyslexia characteristics, evidence-based interventions, and structured literacy approaches.