The Minnesota Senate Education Finance Committee last week heard a number of bills that would improve student reading proficiency in Minnesota, including a bill authored by Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes) that would help students with dyslexia receive the specialized instruction they require.
“One of the best ways we can improve student outcomes is by providing better dyslexia instruction and focusing on how well students read,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “Imagine 90% student reading proficiency. It is absolutely an attainable goal. It’s at our finger tips. We just need to take the next step.”
Senator Chamberlain’s bill would require schools to screen students for dyslexia at the beginning of Kindergarten and no later than the end of second grade. This requirement would be in addition to screenings done to certify that students are reading at grade-appropriate levels.
In addition, the committee heard the following dyslexia and reading related bills.
- Senate File 116 and Senate File 196 tighten up requirements for teachers seeking to renew their license by requiring specific instruction in dyslexia and dyslexia issues.
- Senate File 772 provides grants to teachers can get proper, accredited training in dyslexia through researching findings from the National Reading Panel.
- Senate File 733 enhances teacher training for instructing students with reading difficulties.
Each bill was held over for possible inclusion in a larger education bill later in session.
