The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 17:392.11(B) and (C) and enacts R.S. 17:392.11(D) to enhance the screening and diagnosis of dyslexia in students. It mandates that the state Department of Education select a dyslexia screener with a high validity score and provide it at no cost to public schools. The screener must be administered to students in the latter half of kindergarten or upon request from a teacher or parent. If a student is identified as at risk for dyslexia, the parent or legal guardian must be notified within thirty days, and they can request a core assessment for a formal diagnosis. The bill also removes a provision that made the implementation of these measures contingent on legislative funding.

Additionally, the bill outlines the process for conducting core assessments, which can be administered by either the school or an approved vendor. The assessment must include various tests and evaluations to determine if a student has dyslexia. The Department of Education is tasked with establishing qualifications for assessment providers and setting reimbursement rates for the costs incurred. Furthermore, public schools are required to report annually on the number of students identified as dyslexic, with specific reporting guidelines to ensure confidentiality for smaller groups.

Statutes affected:
SB336 Original: 17:11(B)
SB336 Engrossed: 17:11(B)
SB336 Reengrossed: 17:11(B)
SB336 Enrolled: 17:11(B)
SB336 Act 517: 17:11(B)