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Latest updates at the top: This page is organized with the most recent updates appearing at the top of the list. Scroll down to see older updates.
12/20/2024: From the Georgia Council on Literacy December Update
Re: Council’s Recommendation for Screeners Approved by the State Board of Education (SBOE)
In June, the Council’s executive committee asked the Sandra Dunagan Deal Center (Deal Center) to provide analyses of all reading screeners and to provide a list of up to five screeners as required by SB 464. The Deal Center’s Literacy Screener Advisory Committee (LSAG) provided months of research, discussion and analyses to arrive at a list of four screeners.
On December 12, 2024, the SBOE approved the following literacy screeners with a vote of 10-4:
1. Amira ISIP
2. EPS Reading Assistant
3. Star Universal Reading Suite
4. mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition
5. i-Ready Universal Screening Suite
A recording of the SBOE discussion can be found here. The discussion begins at approximately the 56-minute mark.
This recommendation includes the four screeners that were recommended by the Deal Center and adds i-Ready per the recommendation of Superintendent Richard Woods. The Council is grateful to SBOE Chair, Dr. Stan DeJarnett, for his leadership on the screener vote.
Below is a note from Dr. Lindee Morgan, Executive Director, the Deal Center and Council Member:
Dear Council Members,
On December 12, the SBOE voted to approve our four recommended screeners, as well as iReady. While this outcome wasn’t entirely what we aimed for, I’m pleased that all our recommendations were adopted. I’m also encouraged by the following developments:
• Streamlined Options: This time last year, there were 16 screeners of varying quality. Now, that list has been reduced to five, four of which we endorsed.
• Increased Access: The state will soon provide a screener free of charge to schools and school systems.
• Advocacy and Testimony: Missy Purcell, one of our reviewers and a dedicated dyslexia advocate, delivered a compelling statement at the meeting. She eloquently highlighted the distinctions between our recommended tools and i-Ready. Her testimony will serve as a valuable resource for parents and advocates working with local school boards to promote the selection of preferred screeners.
I would like to thank the LSAG for their exemplary work throughout this process. As I expressed to them, their dedication and expertise have been widely recognized as setting a new standard for rigor and detail in review processes like this.
It has been a privilege to be charged with this work, and I look forward to our continued work toward literacy improvement across Georgia.
Best regards,
Lindee
12/12/2024: 👏🏼On 12/11/24, New York becomes the first in the nation to pass legislation that requires commercial health insurance policies to cover neuropsychological exams for dyslexia upon the referral of a physician.
Assemblymember Robert Carroll’s Announcment
12/12/2024: Message regarding the SBOE’s vote posted here with the permission of Kelly Buck, Parent of IDA-GA Teen Board Member
12/11/2024: Plea from Reading League GA’s Elizabeth Hogan I served on the Georgia Literacy Screener Advisory Committee along with 15 other educators in our state that have specific expertise in literacy. We worked for hours, developed a strong rubric, rated over 13 literacy screeners, compared and debated scores and left our last meeting in October certain we were recommending the best to the state school board.
Read more here.
12/10/2024: Decoding Dyslexia Georgia Statement on HB538 Universal Reading Screeners and the Upcoming Georgia Board of Education Vote: Don’t Compromise Our Children’s Future
Read the message and DDGA’s plea (Sign the petition).
12/9/2024: Regarding “Important Update: SBOE to Vote on New Literacy Screeners This Week!” Email from Claire Buck, Ph.D., Executive Director, Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors (GACIS):
This week, the Georgia State Board of Education (SBOE) will vote on a significant recommendation regarding literacy and dyslexia screeners. On Wednesday, the State School Superintendent will present a list of five recommended universal screeners for the Board’s approval. These screeners meet the requirements of the Georgia Early Literacy Act (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-153.1) and the dyslexia screening requirements (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-159.6), as well as the provisions of SB 464, passed during the 2024 Georgia Legislative session.
SB 464 requires the selection of no more than five universal reading screeners, one of which must be provided free of charge by the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE). The Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy led the establishment of an advisory group tasked with providing a list of recommended screeners to the Georgia Council on Literacy and the SBOE.
The Literacy Screener Advisory Group (LSAG) has recommended the following screeners to the SBOE for adoption in Georgia:
- Amira ISIP
- EPS Reading Assistant
- Star Universal Reading Suite
- mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition
However, the State School Superintendent’s recommendation differs from the LSAG’s findings. The screeners recommended by the Superintendent are:
- Amira ISIP
- Star Universal Reading Suite
- mCLASS with DIBELS 8th Edition
- iReady Universal Screening Suite
- MAP Reading Fluency
Notably, iReady and MAP Reading Fluency were not part of the LSAG’s recommendations. Currently, 24% of districts use iReady, and 19% use MAP. The SBOE is scheduled to discuss the recommendation on Wednesday and vote on this recommendation Thursday morning.
We encourage you to review this information carefully and, if you have feedback, to contact your SBOE member before the vote.
Universal Screeners Used by Georgia School Districts
Deal Center Recommendations and Report
GaDOE Recommendation of Screeners
Thank you for your attention to this important matter and for your continued advocacy for Georgia’s educators and students.
-Claire Buck, Ph.D
12/8/2024: You are invited! On Thursday, 12/12, the SBOE will discuss and decide upon the screeners used by the state to fulfill the requirements of recent legislation. The Deal Center has provided the SBOE with a list of recommended screeners along with a comprehensive report summarizing the Literacy Screener Advisory Group (LSAG)’s process and findings. Read the November 26, 2024 report.
The GA SBOE meeting, beginning at 9:00 am, is being held at the Georgia Department of Education, 2070 Twin Towers East, 205 Jesse Hill Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA 30334. Park at the Pete Hackney Parking Deck on Jesse Hill for $10 or take MARTA to the Georgia State station and exit directly into the Floyd Government Building.
During the Georgia Literacy Council meeting on November 19, Dr. Lindee Morgan, Executive Director Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy, provided an update for the selection process:
Background:
- The State Board of Education approved 16 universal reading screeners in July 2023 to meet a requirement of HB538
- The Sandra Dunagan Deal Center conducted an independent psychometric review to evaluate the strength of each approved screener
- As a result of the review, 3 of the screeners on the list were ranked as weak and were subsequently dropped by the SBOE
- SB464 was passed in 2024 by the Georgia Assembly
SB 464 Components:
- By May 15, 2025, the SBOE will approve a list of no more than 5 universal reading screeners, with one made available free of charge
- By July 15, 2025, GaDOE will publish the list of approved screeners
- On June 7, 2024, The Deal Center was approved by the Executive Committee of the Georgia Council on Literacy to lead the screener review and recommendation process.
Background Continued:
The Deal Center assembled a highly skilled team of Georgians to support the critical work set forth in SB464.
Literacy Screener Advisory Group Responsibilities:
- Prepare screener review criteria
- Establish timelines/procedures for screener submission
- Conduct Request for Information process
- Complete review of submitted screeners
Provide recommendations and report to the SBOE and the Georgia Council on Literacy Fall, 2024
12/4/2024: The guidance document, “The IDEA and Georgia’s Literacy and Dyslexia Laws,” is now available! This guidance document addresses the relationship between Georgia’s Early Literacy Act, the Dyslexia Law, and the IDEA. Be on the lookout for an accompanying recorded webinar (coming soon!). Access the guidance document here.
It has also been added to Inspire in both the Literacy and Dyslexia resource repositories: https://inspire.gadoe.org/collection/CC1416/8057
11/16/2024: The IDA-GA Board presented at the Open Membership Meeting that there have been some changes to the GaDOE website. NEW ADDRESS: inspire.gadoe.org
The Georgia Department of Education is thrilled to announce that Inspire has undergone many new and exciting updates! These enhancements are designed to make learning more engaging and accessible for both parents and students. With the latest improvements, you can look forward to a more intuitive interface, new content available in the Course Tab, reorganization of the Resource Repositories Tab, and the addition of more standard frameworks to the Standards Tab.
EXCITING! Go to https://inspire.gadoe.org/collection/CC1416/8057 for the GaDOE Literacy updates, including lots of resources! Explore these four sections:
- The Georgia Early Literacy Act Resources
- Georgia Literacy Academy Resources
- Dyslexia Resources
- Adolescent Literacy (4–12)
9/16/2024: The Aligning State Literacy & Policy Practices: Guidance Document was updated September 16. 2024!
- Page 4 – Purpose, Georgia’s Literacy Plan, and Literacy (Updated)
- Page 8 – Understanding Screening Requirements (Updated)
- Page 17 – Literacy Coaching (Updated)
- Page 18 – Understand Reporting Requirements (New)
6/18/2024: Pulling it all together with the Guidance Document (frequently updated): Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices updated June 18, 2024!
Georgia has undergone several recent developments that have impacted literacy policy and practice statewide. The guidance document provides key connections and information to support school districts in effectively and efficiently implementing these new expectations with the ultimate goal of increasing literacy outcomes for Georgia’s students.
4/16/2024: Notes from the Georgia Council on Literacy Meeting April 16, 2024 (Source: Georgia Association of Curriculum and Instructional Supervisors)
- SB211 required GA to set up a 30-member council on literacy.
- The Council conducts reviews of birth to postsecondary literacy programs and ensures the state is supporting the improvement of literacy outcomes for GA students.
- The Council is responsible for ensuring the implementation of the Early Literacy Act (HB538).
- SB 464 amends HB538. It creates a 5-member Executive Committee of the Council of Literacy. The bill also requires the SBOE to approve a memorandum of agreement between the council and the department as soon as practicable but not later than May 15, 2025. The agreement will provide a list of no more than five universal reading screeners, one of which shall be a free universal reading screener. NOTE: Districts must still administer 1 of the 13 approved screeners in August 2024 to comply with HB 538.
- Dr. Stan DeJarnett, SBOE Chair, recommended an additional comprehensive review process for the 13 approved screeners. He also cautioned the council on using screeners as an accountability tool and emphasized that the results of the screeners should be used for creating the next steps for the student.
- Dr. Lindee Morgan, Sandra Dunagan Deal Center for Early Language and Literacy Executive Director, provided an update on districts’ progress toward implementing The Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538). The survey gathered information on universal screeners, high-quality instructional materials, tiered interventions, and professional learning. Out of 221 districts invited to participate, 113 responded. Click here to view the full report.
- Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538) Components
1. Instructional Materials: Aligned to the science of reading; instruct students in foundational literacy skills and State Board of Education (SBOE)-approved English Language Arts (ELA) standards; approved by SBOE for grades K-3
2. Screeners: Administered three times per year to K-3 students; measure foundational literacy skills; identify characteristics of dyslexia; used for progress monitoring.
3. Interventions: Tiered reading intervention plans for K-3 students who exhibit significant reading deficiency; use of evidence-based strategies.
4. Professional Learning: Training for all K-3 teachers on the science of reading, structured literacy, and foundational literacy skills.
5. Teacher Preparation: Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GAGE) aligned with developmentally appropriate evidence-based literacy instruction; creation of standards to ensure students completing teacher certification programs graduate with the knowledge and skills to teach reading. - Working Committees and Alliance of Education Agency Support
1. Birth-5 Years: Department of Early Care and Learning
2. K-3rd Grade: Department of Education
3. New/Existing Teacher Professional Development: Board of Regents and Professional Standards Commission
4. Community Outreach: Technical College System of Georgia - GaDOE Literacy Resources
Aligning State Literacy Policies and Practices
HQIM Approved Resources
Supplemental Materials Rubric
GaDOE Literacy Updates
3/13/2024: Based on the 3/12 & 3/13 note below:
- The list of screeners would be culled down to 5 approved screeners from those 13 already on the list.
- One of the five is one that will be FREE to schools.
- The school may elect to use IN ADDITION to the ONE REQUIRED FREE SCREENER any of the additional APPROVED screeners must only use screeners on the approved list.
- The timeline for everything would be 2025, not 2024.
3/12 & 3/13 Development
March 12: Senator Hickman presented an amendment to the House Education Curriculum Subcommittee, changing the requirement of a single screener to a list of 5 approved screeners. The Georgia Council on Literacy, the Deal Center, and the Office of Planning and Budget would identify the 5 screeners that meet the criteria. By May 15, 2024 the SBOE would be required to approve a memorandum of agreement between the Georgia Council on Literacy and the Georgia Department of Education for a list of no more than 5 universal reading screeners for use by schools as part of their comprehensive literacy program to meet requirements set forth in HB 538. By June 1, 2024 the GaDOE shall publish on the website the free universal screener that all districts are required to adopt and administer. Click here to listen to the meeting.
HOWEVER, on March 13: The full House Education Committee met to hear SB 464. Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick) amended the bill to change the date from 2024 to 2025 to provide time to train teachers on the approved screeners. The bill passed and moves to the House Rules Committee. Click here to listen to the committee meeting and click here to review the current version of the bill.
3/8/2024:
Watch the 3/7/2024 Press Conference!
From Claire Buck, GACIS Executive Director: “On February 29th Senator Billy Hickman presented an amendment to Senator Clint Dixon’s (R-45th) School Supplies for Teachers Program – Senate Bill 464. The amendment removes the requirement for districts to select a universal screener from the approved list of screeners and requires the use of a free single screener for the state. The free screener would not be the screener being developed by DRC. By May 15th, the SBOE would be required to approve a memorandum of agreement between the Georgia Council on Literacy and the Georgia Department of Education for a free universal reading screener for use by schools as part of their comprehensive literacy program to meet requirements set forth in HB 538. By June 2024, the GaDOE shall publish on the website the free universal screener that all districts are required to adopt and administer. The Georgia Council on Literacy, the Deal Center, and the Office of Planning and Budget would identify the screener that meets the criteria established by the SBOE. Click here and go to timestamp 1:08:45 to listen to Senator Hickman’s amendment, and click here to read the bill. The bill passed the Senate 52-1 at 7:50 p.m. on Thursday night and now goes to the House.”
Visit the DDGA Facebook page: Read the post about SB464, including the comments, for additional information. Note: The 13 screeners on the state’s current list have not been thoroughly vetted. The amendment calls for a close examination of those screeners to narrow down the state’s list to the one that is the most effective tool and to provide this free, high-quality screener to all districts for use in grades K-3.
SB464 must pass through three House committees (the Education Subcommittee, the Full Education Committee, and the Rules Committee) before being put to the floor for a vote. DDGA urges you to support SB464.
In November 2023, the Deal Center published an analysis of the 16 screeners that were at that time on the state’s list. Click HERE to read that report.
GACIS has asked for feedback on SB464. Click HERE. This form includes a place to indicate whether or not you would like to speak at the House Education Committee meeting when SB464 is placed on the agenda.
Contact your House representative and State Board of Education (SBOE) representative with questions, thoughts, and concerns.
January 2024: Dr. Lindstrom and Amy Denty emphasized in their January 17 presentation that this guide should be everyone’s go-to guide for updates: Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices: Connecting the Georgia Council on Literacy (SB 211), the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538), and Georgia’s Dyslexia Efforts (SB 48)
On January 17, IDA-GA offered a webinar Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices: Connecting the Georgia Council on Literacy (SB 211), the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538), and Georgia’s Dyslexia Efforts (SB 48). You are encouraged to watch that recording and look at this page for links to all the many resources discussed during that webinar. Be sure to take the proposed amendment into consideration now.
Pulling It All Together
For the 2024 Spotlight on Structured Literacy Series, IDA-GA and TRL-GA hosted four webinars focusing on “Promoting Structured Literacy: Policy to Practice.” Our first webinar (1/17/2024) began with Aligning State Literacy Policies & Practices: Connecting the Georgia Council on Literacy (SB 211), the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538), and Georgia’s Dyslexia Efforts (SB 48)
In the past several years, the Georgia General Assembly passed three significant literacy bills – the Georgia Council on Literacy (SB 211), the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB 538), and Dyslexia Identification and Supports (SB 48). SB 211 created a 30-member Council on Literacy with its primary role to monitor and report on implementation of HB 538. HB 538 requires screening of K-3 students on their reading proficiency three times a year, teacher training in the Science of Reading, approval of high-quality instructional and screening tools, and realignment of teacher certification requirements. SB 48 requires all K-3 students to be screened for dyslexia, the development of a dyslexia informational handbook, professional development opportunities for teachers, and the creation of a dyslexia endorsement for teachers. This presentation will address the alignment of these three legislative measures and the potential impact on changing the trajectory of literacy in Georgia. Link to webinar recording, slide deck, and guides: https://ga.dyslexiaida.org/event/2024jan17/
HB538: Georgia Early Literacy Act (K-3)
3/27/2023 PASSED the Senate. Watch here: https://youtu.be/hCh3GSve1R0
It’s on to Governor’s desk to sign within the next 60 days.
Friday, 3/3/2023 Message from DDGA: This Monday the 6th (Crossover day) two important literacy bills [HB537 & HB538] will go to the Floor for a full House vote. If they succeed, they will then “crossover” to the Senate for their consideration and voting before the end of session (Sine Die). PLEASE contact your Georgia House members before Monday. Use OpenStates.org website to look up your House member in the “lower” chamber of the Georgia Legislature. If you call, please identify yourself as a constituent and ask for their YES votes on House Bills 538 and 537 Monday. If you’re writing an email, please include your name, address and phone number at the bottom of the email to identify you as a constituent. The Subject line for the email should read: “Please Vote YES on HB538 and HB537” All you have to say in the email is, “I am the parent/grandparent of student(s) with dyslexia in Georgia schools. Please vote YES on House Bills 537 and 538 to improve reading instruction in schools.”
Friday, 2/24/2023 Message from DDGA: Georgia’s House Education Committee has dropped HB538, which is a comprehensive literacy act (think TN, MS!) which needs to move very quickly next week to make it to the Senate on Crossover Day, March 6th.
Please reach out to your Georgia House members this week and ask them to SUPPORT HB538. It calls for teacher training in structured literacy, knowledge of the science of reading, and other critical elements which would transform our schools’ approach to teaching reading. The bill is here.
The bill goes to Subcommittee Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 pm EST, and we need to let them know we’re hoping this Bill passes committee and moves to the floor for debate and vote.
Georgia Department of Education Dyslexia Handbook and Other Guides
- Georgia Department of Education Dyslexia Handbook (Updated 1/2022) – Additional Updates currently being made (2/2023)
- GA Professional Standards Commission Dyslexia Endorsement Guidance Document (July 2020, Rule 505-3-.112)
Taking Steps towards Advocacy
In this 30-minute interview on 2/24/2022, Parent to Parent GA talks with parent Tina Engberg, State Leader for DDGA about her journey in moving from advocating for her son to now sitting on various committees advocating for all children.
GaDOE awards $1.5 million to expand, improve dyslexia endorsement programs
MEDIA CONTACT: Meghan Frick, GaDOE Communications Office, mfrick@doe.k12.ga.us
-Follow GaDOE on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @GeorgiaDeptofEd
The list of awardees is available at the bottom of this release.
May 13, 2022 – The Georgia Department of Education is awarding $1,496,992 to 14 RESA and higher education program providers to help teachers obtain dyslexia endorsements and support students with dyslexia, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced today.
At its May meeting, the State Board of Education approved Superintendent Richard Woods’ recommendation to award Dyslexia Endorsement Service Provider contracts to seven Regional Educational Service Agencies (RESAs) and seven higher education institutions. The awardees may use the contract funds to cover tuition, fees, and exam costs for Georgia public school teachers enrolled in approved Dyslexia Endorsement programs. In addition, they may utilize the funds to support program improvement and expansion.
Each awarded RESA or higher education institution will advertise available opportunities to teachers, as applicable.
“Students’ future options increase exponentially when they master reading, a foundational skill that every child in Georgia should learn,” Superintendent Woods said. “These grants support dyslexia professional development initiatives across the state by providing Georgia public school teachers with opportunities to receive the training to improve reading success for all students, including students with dyslexia.”
The contract awards announced today are for endorsement programs approved before January 2022. New dyslexia endorsement programs approved by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) as of January 2022 may be eligible for future funding opportunities.
GaDOE is committed to helping teachers advance their skills and working closely with parents and partners in education to support students with dyslexia.
Dyslexia Endorsement Program Providers
• Central Savannah River Area RESA
• Columbus State University
• Georgia College and State University
• Georgia State University
• Griffin RESA
• Metro RESA
• Middle Georgia RESA
• North Georgia RESA
• Northwest Georgia RESA
• Shorter University
• Thomas University
• University of Georgia
• University of West Georgia
• West Georgia RESA
GaDOE provides $5.26 million in grants to support students with dyslexia
NOTE: In the state’s grant application and in the press release below, the state uses the term Multisensory as a synonym for Structured Literacy. Learn about Structured Literacy here.
February 17, 2022 – The Georgia Department of Education is awarding a total of $5,261,955 in grants to help school districts improve literacy outcomes and support students with dyslexia, State School Superintendent Richard Woods announced today.
“Reading is a fundamental skill that all children in Georgia need because, with it, a world of possibilities opens,” Superintendent Woods said. “These grants will ensure districts, schools, and teachers have the resources they need to improve reading success for all students, including students with dyslexia.”
Thirty-one school districts are receiving Readiness in Literacy Grants, which will provide more than $4 million in federal funds to support early reading assistance programs for struggling readers and students with risk factors for dyslexia.
Ten school districts are receiving Multi-sensory Reading Instruction Training Grants, which will provide more than $1 million in federal funds so teachers in identified schools can receive multi-sensory reading training opportunities and resources.
“Thank you to district and school leaders who have made the transformational commitment to invest in proven reading programs and build teacher knowledge in the Science of Reading,” said Tina Engberg, parent and state leader of Decoding Dyslexia Georgia. “These efforts will change the trajectory of the lives of their students.”
GaDOE is committed to working closely with parents and partners in education to support students with dyslexia.
2022 Awardees – Multisensory Reading Instruction Training Grants
From DDGA regarding the 2/17 announcement: On [2/17/2022], the State Board of Education approved grants through two programs: Instructional Supports and Teacher Training to Address Readiness in Literacy and Multi-Sensory Reading Instruction Training. Through both grant programs, the state is awarding over five million dollars to the winning districts to train teachers in Orton- Gillingham, Wilson Reading, and LETRS. The DOE press release details who won the grants. We have asked parents who are interested in this to reach out to their own districts (especially if they did not receive funding) to advocate for their districts to apply for any future funding.
Updates and Next Steps – GaDOE State Dyslexia Committee Meeting
On Thursday, November 18, 2021, the GaDOE Dyslexia Team provided updates and next steps surrounding the Committee’s work. More information, including the link to the recording, can be found here.
Dyslexia Law, SB 48 – March 24, 2021 News Updates
- The Senate approved HB81 with a line item of $1.6 Million to fund SB48. This keeps SB 48 from being an unfunded mandate! Now HB81 goes back to the House. We don’t want to lose this appropriation. Parents, PLEASE contact House Leadership NOW and let them know you want the money to remain attached to SB 48 as they deliberate the bill for the last time in the House. Add your address and phone number at the end of any emails. If you are their constituent, please make that known. CC your own Representative so they are also in the loop. For more information on what you can do, visit DDGA at https://www.facebook.com/decodingdyslexiaga/.
- The State Board of Education will meet on March 25, 2021, to discuss a proposed rule change that relates to the Dyslexia Law, SB 48. A major concern is that the change does not include specific information on identification and acceptable, evidence-based interventions for students at the end of the identification process. Read the proposed change here. For more information on what you can do, visit DDGA at https://www.facebook.com/decodingdyslexiaga/.160-4-2-.32 (Redline) (2)
Georgia Special Needs Scholarship, SB 47 – March 24, 2021 News Update
The vote goes to the House on March 25, 2021.
Parents can reach out to their State Representative here: https://p2a.co/xkLty5N
or find their State Representative phone number here: https://p2a.co/H7t
A February 8, 2021, AP News article explains SB 47 would require Georgia’s scholarship program to grant money not only to students who have individualized education plans, as state law now says, but also to students with accommodation plans under section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act and students with a diagnosis of a specific disability. Students with 504 plans may be performing on grade level but need some kind of help.
Read the article in full here: https://apnews.com/article/georgia-bills-legislation-atlanta-0d88800ac0676257f95d373d734ae468
On March 23, Hannah Heck, a lawyer working with the American Federation for Children, contacted IDA-GA will this update: SB47, the Georgia Special Needs Scholarship legislation passed out of the House Committee, by substitute, in a bi-partisan 11-5 vote. Senator Gooch, the bill sponsor offered the substitute. The primary change in the substitute was removing the portion of the bill that was in the original senate version that would have allowed a student to qualify for the GA Special Needs Scholarship by diagnosis alone. This amendment brought additional support for the legislation and certainly dampened the concerns raised by opponents. To be clear, the substitute language changes nothing with the existing program.
As a reminder, SB47:
-Enables a student to also qualify for the GA Special Needs Scholarship with a 504 plan related to the list of diagnoses in the statute;
-Allows a student in public GA special needs preschool to qualify (so the scholarship could start as early as K);
-Provides a one-time COVID exception from the full one year public school requirement (a student must have been present for only 1 student count in the public school in 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 to be eligible for the scholarship in the 2021-2022 school year);
-Enables a student to return to the program that has previously participated;
-Creates an appeal process for scholarship calculation errors; and
-Establishes a parental satisfaction survey that will be publicly available.
Parents can reach out to their State Representative here: https://p2a.co/xkLty5N
or find their State Representative phone number here: https://p2a.co/H7tfS29.
Georgia Dyslexia Pilot Sites
Atlanta Public Schools
Morningside, Thomasville Heights, Slater
Marietta City Schools
West Side, Hickory Hills, Sawyer Road
Ware County School District
Center Elementary
Muscogee County School District
Gentian, Lonnie Jackson, Hannan
Charlton County School System
Folkston, St. George
DeKalb County School District
Columbia, Montgomery, Dunaire
City Schools of Decatur
Westchester, Fifth Avenue
Jackson County School System
Gum Springs, West Jackson, East Jackson
GaDOE Releases Dyslexia Informational Handbook
The Georgia Department of Education released the Dyslexia Informational Handbook: Guidance for Local School Systems on November 22, 2019.
Gov. Kemp Signs SB 48 into Law
May 2, 2019, Gov. Kemp signed SB48 into law. Read the AJC article here. Read a May 1 statement from DDGA here. Watch our Facebook live-stream recording here.
IDA Corrects Inaccuracies in AJC Opinion Column
Response provided by Sonja Banks, Chief Executive Officer, International Dyslexia Association; Jennifer Topple, Chair of the International Dyslexia Association Board of Directors; Karen Huppertz, International Dyslexia Association Georgia Branch President Board of Directors
Senate Bill 48 Creates Dyslexia Legislation in Georgia
4/6/2019 Legislative Blog Post by Karen Huppertz, President, IDA-GA
What does this mean for current students?
On March 29, 2019, Senate Bill 48 made its way through the Georgia House and Senate for a final vote, marking the first real dyslexia legislation in the state. Governor Kemp is expected to sign the bill into law later this month. While this is great news for the future of Georgia students, don’t anticipate rapid change in the classroom. SB48 will not require local schools to screen all kindergarten students for characteristics of dyslexia until the beginning of the 2024-2025 school year. Further, as it is written today, SB48 will never address the needs of dyslexic students above third grade.
Why then is IDA-GA excited for this legislation? Because it is a great start toward eventually educating our teachers and school systems about the challenges these students face and strengths these students can and will contribute to our communities.
Here is what SB48 will do for Georgia students:
Definitions
SB48 will provide a legal definition of dyslexia based on the International Dyslexia Association’s definition and specifically acknowledges the importance of phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize that words are made up of a sequence of sounds and be able to manipulate them for reading, writing and speaking).
The bill further states that a ‘qualified dyslexia screening tool’ will need to measure phonological awareness skills, phonemic decoding efficiency, sight word reading skills, rapid automatic naming skills, and accuracy of word-reading of grade-level text. (Remember a dyslexia screening is not a diagnosis. Hopefully, students identified through a dyslexia screening will be referred for further psychoeducational testing for a formal diagnosis, but the legislation (as currently written) will not require testing.)
Policies
Based on these steps, the new law will require the State Board of Education to develop policies for referring students in kindergarten through third grade for dyslexia screening “who have been identified through the RTI process” no later than July 1, 2020. These new policies will also include a list of approved dyslexia screening tools for schools, a process for letting parents know the results of the screening and a process for monitoring student progress after screening.
Teacher Training
SB48 also requires the Department of Education to collaborate with the Professional Standards Committee to improve and update professional development opportunities for teachers specifically relating to dyslexia. By Dec. 30, 2019, the Professional Standards Commission will create a ‘Dyslexia Endorsement for Teachers’ trained in dyslexia awareness and how to use a dyslexia screening tool. This is a step in the right direction but does not mean teachers will be trained in Structured Literacy or how to appropriately help students learn to read.
Pilot Program
The new law requires the State School Superintendent to establish a 3-year pilot program to “demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of early reading assistance programs for students with risks factors for dyslexia” beginning with the 2020-2021 school year.
Dyslexia Screening in all Schools
Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, local school systems will be required to screen all kindergarten students for dyslexia. At the same time, students in grades one through three will be screened if they have been identified through the RTI process. For parents with a kindergarten student exhibiting signs of dyslexia, their child will be in fourth grade before these required screenings take place.
At the College Level
Finally, SB48 requires (but without a deadline) the Professional Standards Commission include dyslexia awareness information in teacher preparation programs for elementary and secondary education instruction. New teachers coming out of colleges and universities will enter the classroom knowing the definition of dyslexia, how to spot the signs and screen students, and what kinds of instruction will help. This does not require teachers be trained in good instruction.
What’s next?
This isn’t the end of our efforts to inform and make change. Dyslexia advocates like those at the International Dyslexia Association Georgia and Decoding Dyslexia Georgia will continue to work toward strengthening dyslexia legislation in Georgia.
You can help by joining IDA to lend your support of our volunteer efforts to raise dyslexia awareness and provide educator training opportunities. IDA-GA, along with Decoding Dyslexia Georgia, invite parents and teachers to join in advocacy efforts.
Read the final draft of SB48 and don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to get involved.
SB 48 Passes in the House
On 3/25/19, SB 48 passed in the State House of Representatives. WABE News published this report: WABE News ‘I Always Get Flustered’: Kids Urged Lawmakers to Pass Dyslexia Bill
SB 48 Passes Unanimously in the Senate
On 2/20/19, SB 48 passed unanimously in the Senate. It now moves on to the House! Now is the time to reach out to Representatives in the House. Click here.
Final Report of 2018 Senate Study Committee Meetings
Click here to view the FINAL REPORT OF THE SENATE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DYSLEXIA (SR 761)
What is Georgia Senate Bill 48?
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT…so as to provide for identification of and support for students in pre-kindergarten through second grade with dyslexia; to provide for definitions; to require the Department of Education to make a dyslexia informational handbook available to local school systems; to provide for certain information in the dyslexia informational handbook; to provide for ongoing professional development opportunities relating to dyslexia for teachers; to require local boards of education to develop policies for the identification and assistance of students with dyslexia; to provide for data collection; to provide for post-secondary teacher preparation programs to include instruction relating to students with dyslexia; to provide for the selection of local school systems to serve as dynamic laboratories of learning to demonstrate and evaluate the effectiveness of early reading assistance programs for students with risk factors for dyslexia; to provide for a report; to provide for a teaching endorsement in dyslexia; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Dyslexia Legislation Moves Forward – Update 12/18/2018
At the Dec. 12, 2018, Georgia Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia meeting, Senator Fran Millar led the presentation outlining what a future dyslexia bill might contain. Senator Millar stressed this is only the first step. We are more likely to see a “simple” bill passed than one with our entire wish list. The committee’s report specifies the University System of GA mandate a dyslexia and language disorders course of study for students studying to become teachers. Second, there will be a “mandated” dyslexia screening in schools for all kindergarten students and anyone up to 2nd grade transferring into schools in Georgia. The screening will include an examination of phonemic awareness and phonological processing, sound/symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding and encoding, and receptive and expressive language. Lastly, there will be statewide guidance, teacher training, and evaluation.
The committee is currently working on a handbook that includes information about dyslexia and language disorders. The GA Professional Standards Commission will also be creating a “Dyslexia Endorsement” for teachers and staff to be able to recognize and appropriately respond to children with dyslexia and language disorders. It has been recommended this become a mandated standard.
Senator Matt Blass will take over from outgoing Senator Fran Millar to submit the recommendations as a bill after the first of the year in time for mid-term funding. When asked about a possible timeline if approved and funded, Senator Millar noted the earliest screenings might possibly begin in Georgia would be the fall of 2020.
View the Dec. 12 meeting here: https://livestream.com/accounts/25225500/events/8321724/videos/184700199 (Please note: the first 14 minutes are static. The meeting discussion begins at approximately 14:07 minutes.)
What you can do? Continue to contact your local legislators with your support of this effort. Find your local legislator here: https://openstates.org/ga/legislators/
SR 761 – Purpose of the Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia
Per the resolution, SR 761, the purpose of the Dyslexia Study Committee is to explore and draw attention to the profound educational impact of dyslexia on the education and lives of countless children, adults, and students in the State of Georgia. Early diagnosis is critical to early remediation with evidence-based intervention. Dyslexia is the most common learning disability, affecting approximately one in five individuals and approximately 80 percent of all individuals with a learning disability.
The AJC Article
On 11/23/2018, the AJC ran an article about the efforts of the Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia: https://www.ajc.com/news/local-education/georgia-senate-committee-hopes-help-students-with-dyslexia/pCbVPUF7jG4MZJWsN6HWGN/
Numerous people have asked what they can do to support these efforts. Click here to view a letter from IDA-GA’s board president, Karen Huppertz.
Public Meetings of the SR 761 Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia
The meetings of the SENATE STUDY COMMITTEE ON DYSLEXIA have been held in Room 307 at the Coverdell Legislative Office Building (CLOB), 18 Capitol Square SW, Atlanta, GA 30303.
The Dyslexia Study Committee final meeting for the adoption of the recommendations will be Wednesday, December 12, 2018, at 3:00 pm in 307 CLOB. The link to view the meeting is https://livestream.com/accounts/25225500/events/8321724
Recordings of the Past 2018 Meetings of the SR761 GA Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia
Watch, listen, and learn right along with the senators! Hear presentations from experts and public comments by parents and professionals:
Video of Senate Study Committee Meeting, December 12 at 3:00 pm
The first 14 minutes are static. The meeting discussion begins at approximately 14:07 minutes.
Video of Senate Study Committee Meeting, October 19 at 10:25 am
You will need to fast forward to the beginning of the meeting; the meeting started at approximately 25 minutes 25 seconds into the recording. Also, note that there was a fire drill during the meeting. Simply fast forward through that adjournment period.
Agenda for the October 19 Meeting
PowerPoints (may be available at this link soon)
Video of Senate Study Committee Meeting, September 14 at 10 am
Southern Regional Education Board Presentation
SREB Reading Screenings
University System of Georgia Presentation
Department of Early Care and Learning Presentation
Video of Senate Study Committee Meeting, August 17 at 10 am
University of Georgia PowerPoint
Dr. Leslie A. Stuart PowerPoint
Georgia Department of Education PowerPoint
Summer 2018 Georgia Legislative Update: SR761
The Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia, created by Senate Resolution 761 and sponsored by Senator Fran Millar, will work throughout the year to study community-based solutions to better identify and meet the needs of Georgia’s dyslexic students.
On June 29, Georgia’s Lt. Governor Cagle appointed the following Senators to the committee:
Chairman Fran Millar, Matt Brass, and Gloria Butler.
On July 27, Governor Nathan Deal made an additional two appointments:
Dr. Leslie Stuart, clinical psychologist and former board member for the International Dyslexia Association GA, and Mr. Garry McGiboney, deputy state superintendent for external affairs and policy at the Georgia Department of Education.
Are you interested in getting involved? Decoding Dyslexia Georgia (DDGA), one of the International Dyslexia Association GA’s partners, has a Legislative Task Force with volunteer opportunities. DDGA is part of a network of parent-led grassroots movements across the country concerned with the limited access to educational interventions for dyslexia within the public education system.
IDA-GA looks forward to assisting the Senate Study Committee and the efforts of DDGA’s Legislative Task Force.
Source URL’s:
https://ltgov.georgia.gov/print/press-releases/2018-06-29/cagle-appoints-senate-study-committee-dyslexia
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/en-US/Display/20172018/SR/761
https://gov.georgia.gov/press-releases/2018-07-27/deal-appoints-13-boards
March 28, 2018 By now we hope you have heard the EXCITING NEWS: GA Senate Resolution 761 passed to create a study group for including dyslexia in the state education code! Thanks to each of you for joining IDA in contacting your legislators!
We plan to be part of the effort to form this committee – and we will look to you, our parents and partners, for guidance and support.
Along with our partners, Decoding Dyslexia Georgia and others, we will be supporting the following goals:
• A universal definition and understanding of “dyslexia” in the state education code
• Mandatory teacher training on dyslexia, its warning signs, and appropriate intervention strategies
• Mandatory early screening tests for dyslexia
• Mandatory dyslexia remediation programs, which can be accessed by both general and special education populations
• Access to appropriate “assistive technologies” in the public school setting for students with dyslexia
Read the resolution here: http://www.legis.ga.gov/Legislation/20172018/173137.pdf
Follow us on Facebook and here on our website ga.dyslexiaida.org and Decoding Dyslexia at www.decodingdyslexiaga.com.
March 28, 2018
By now we hope you have heard the EXCITING NEWS: GA Senate Resolution 761 passed to crea
Laws and Local Policies
What are the dyslexia laws in states across the United States?
https://dyslexiaida.org/ (Scroll down to the map of the US. Click the state to view state laws.)
US Department of Education, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) Information
Includes Statute and Regulations
US Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, Letter October 25, 2015
The purpose of this letter is to clarify that there is nothing in the IDEA that would prohibit the use of the terms dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia in IDEA evaluation, eligibility determinations, or IEP documents.
Georgia Department of Education, Division of Special Education
Georgia Department of Education, SB-10 Information
Georgia Department of Education, Special Education Rules
Georgia Department of Education, Implementation Manual
Georgia Department of Education, Legal Mandates for Assistive Technology
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