HB 1124

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Provides that the dyslexia handbook developed by the State Board of Education shall include guidelines on the administration of a universal screener and dyslexia screening, the interpretation of data from these screeners, and the resulting appropriate instruction within a multi-tiered system of support framework. Provides that the State Board of Education shall adopt any rules necessary to ensure that a student will be screened for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener. Sets forth which students are required to be screened. Provides that no later than January 1, 2024, the State Board of Education shall employ at least 5 dyslexia specialists or dyslexia therapists with a minimum of 5 years of field experience in screening, identifying, and treating dyslexia and related disorders. Provides that beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, each school district must screen students in grades kindergarten through 2 for the risk factors of dyslexia using a universal screener approved by the State Board of Education. Provides that if a student is determined to be either at risk or at some risk for dyslexia after the universal screener has been administered, the school district must administer a dyslexia screening of the student. Provides that if a student's dyslexia screening indicates that the student has characteristics of dyslexia, the dyslexia intervention services provided to the student must utilize a structured literacy approach as outlined in the State Board of Education's handbook. Makes other changes. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Reinserts the contents of the introduced bill with the following changes. In the definition of "universal screener", changes references to "an assessment" to "a screener". Provides that the "universal screener" shall screen for the risk factors of reading difficulties, including dyslexia (instead of the risk factors of dyslexia). Provides that students shall be screened if a student from another state enrolls for the first time in any of grades kindergarten through 2 in a school district in this State, provided that if a student's score is below 3.0 on either the listening or the speaking portion of the ACCESS for ELLs assessment, the student may be exempt from a universal screener as determined by the school's or school district's English language learner team (instead of unless the student, the student's parent, or the student's guardian presents documentation that the student meets specified conditions). Adds provisions concerning secondary review of a student. In provisions concerning the student's parent or guardian consent to screening, provides that the parent or guardian must be notified (rather than specifying provisions concerning the nature of notification). Makes conforming changes.