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 within Louisiana's public schools. It mandates the state Department of Education to provide a dyslexia screener, which must be administered to students in the second half of kindergarten or upon request from a teacher or parent. The bill specifies that if a student is identified as at risk for dyslexia, the parent or legal guardian must be notified within thirty days, and a core assessment for diagnosis can be requested. The core assessment can be conducted by either the school or an approved vendor, and it must include various tests and evaluations to determine dyslexia.

Additionally, the bill requires public school governing authorities to submit annual reports to the state Department of Education detailing the number of students identified as dyslexic. This includes data on students identified through Section 504 Plans and Individualized Education Plans. The Department is tasked with compiling these reports and presenting the data to the relevant legislative committees. Notably, the bill removes a previous provision that made the implementation of these measures contingent on legislative funding, indicating a commitment to advancing dyslexia screening and diagnosis regardless of funding availability.

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)