MS SB2308

Requires all school districts to screen students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 using Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) to identify dyslexia markers, with additional screening for older students showing difficulties in phonological awareness, decoding, or related skills.

Mandates that school districts provide dyslexia therapy services delivered by certified dyslexia therapists using systematic, multisensory, research-based instruction if evaluation indicates a student is dyslexic; allows alternative providers (highly qualified tutors) until sufficient university-trained therapists are available.

Requires parents be notified of dyslexia evaluation results and provided information about classroom interventions, accommodations, and their right to seek independent evaluations from licensed psychologists, speech-language pathologists, or certified dyslexia specialists.

Requires the Department of Education to employ at least one dyslexia specialist by fiscal year 2023 and ensure each education service cooperative has a trained dyslexia specialist to provide technical assistance to school districts.

Mandates the Department provide professional awareness training to all teachers by 2022-2023 school year on dyslexia indicators and evidence-based teaching methods, and requires collaboration with state universities to include dyslexia identification information in teacher education programs.