BILL NUMBER: S5569
SPONSOR: FAHY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a center
for dyslexia and dysgraphia
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within the State
Education Department.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 319 to the education law. Paragraph 1 of
this new section sets forth definitions. Paragraph 2 provides for the
establishment of the center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within the State
Education Department led by an Executive Director appointed by the SED
Commissioner. Paragraph 3 stipulates the duties and functions of the
Center which includes establishing a definition of dyslexia and dysgrap-
hia, data collection and analysis, development and dissemination of
informational tools, setting standards for the screening of students in
grades kindergarten through five for dyslexia and dysgraphia, for the
interventions required for students identified as being at risk for
dyslexia and dysgraphia or having dyslexia and dysgraphia, for the
training of educators and other school personnel regarding dyslexia and
dysgraphia screening and interventions, issuing a report every two
years, and creating a guidebook on dyslexia and dysgraphia. Paragraph 4
Sets forth the parameters for the guidebook. Section 2 sets the effec-
tive date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Studies have shown that as many as one in five children have dyslexia or
another phonemic awareness issue, but to date there has not been a
comprehensive statewide approach to identifying and addressing their
needs. Educational research has unequivocally demonstrated that early
identification of dyslexia, coupled with intervention and multisensory
sequential phonics instruction drastically improves educational
outcomes.
In 2023 the Legislature passed Assemblymember Carroll's bill the Dysle-
xia and Dysgraphia Task Force Act (A.133/S.2599), which was then signed
into law by Governor Hochul in December of that year. The Task Force was
comprised of teachers, school leaders, education experts, and individ-
uals with or family members of people with dyslexia or dysgraphia and
met throughout the summer and fall of 2024 and held three public hear-
ings taking testimony from over one hundred members of the public. The
Final Report of the Task Force includes fourteen recommendations
pertaining to screening methods, professional development, and reading
interventions and other educational supports for dyslexia and dysgraphia
for students in kindergarten through grade five. Among these recommenda-
tions is the creation of a state level
Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. Enshrining this Center in law will
ensure the State maintains best practices over time. If established with
a strong mandate and appropriate support, such a center will help thou-
sands of children learn to read and become successful students and in
addition will save public schools millions of dollars by reducing the
need to pay for private special education services.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2025-2026: A2687
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately