HF 2579

as introduced - 87th Legislature (2011 - 2012) Posted on 02/29/2012 01:35pm

A bill for an act
relating to education; meeting the needs of students with dyslexia and related
disorders; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 120B.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [120B.122] STUDENT DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Evaluation. new text end

new text begin (a) A school district must evaluate enrolled kindergarten
or first grade students for dyslexia and related disorders in the form and manner determined
by the commissioner of education in consultation with the commissioner of health. The
evaluation must emphasize early identification, intervention, and support for students at
risk for dyslexia or a related disorder. A district must identify appropriate services for
students with dyslexia or a related disorder.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the meanings given them:
new text end

new text begin (1) "dyslexia" means a disorder of constitutional origin manifested by a difficulty in
learning to read, write, or spell, despite conventional instruction, adequate intelligence,
and sociocultural opportunity; and
new text end

new text begin (2) "related disorders" means disorders similar or related to dyslexia, such as
developmental auditory imperceptions, specific developmental dyslexia, developmental
dysgraphia, or developmental spelling disability.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Services and procedures. new text end

new text begin (a) After notifying the parent or guardian, a
district must identify and assess students with dyslexia or a related disorder. A licensed
teacher trained in dyslexia and related disorders must identify appropriate instructional
services for eligible students.
new text end

new text begin (b) District procedures for complying with this subdivision must include: early
screening performed by persons trained to assess children with dyslexia and related
disorders; instructional strategies and techniques for addressing dyslexia and related
disorders; and a collaborative process that includes educators, reading and other
professionals, and interested parents who periodically review district procedures to ensure
best practices.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Reading instruction and training. new text end

new text begin A school district must provide a
reading program to all high school students with dyslexia or a related disorder who have
not demonstrated proficiency on state reading tests. Teachers who work with the students
must be trained to use instructional strategies premised on individualized, intensive,
multisensory, phonetic methods, and various writing and spelling components.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Professional development. new text end

new text begin Professional development activities for
teachers and school administrators must include instructional strategies for identifying,
assessing, and instructing students with dyslexia or a related disorder.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end

new text begin Parent education. new text end

new text begin A district may provide an education program for parents
and guardians of students with dyslexia or a related disorder that includes information on:
the characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders; the testing and diagnosis of dyslexia
and related disorders; effective strategies for teaching students with dyslexia or a related
disorder; and testing and other academic accommodations available to eligible students.
new text end

new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE. new text end

new text begin This section is effective for the 2012-2013 school year and
later.
new text end