Special instruction for dyslexic students approved

Nebraska schools are required to provide special reading instruction for students with dyslexia beginning this fall under a bill passed by lawmakers April 11.

LB1052, introduced by Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, requires schools to provide students who are identified as exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia with evidence-based literacy instruction using a multisensory approach. A technical assistance document created and distributed by the state Department of Education will provide guidance on that instruction.

The document also provides information on dyslexia’s characteristics, its associated conditions and indicators and the screening, evaluation, instruction and intervention for dyslexia. Information will be distributed to all school districts, educational service units and teacher education programs in the state to promote awareness of dyslexia.

LB1052 prohibits school districts from requiring a student who exhibits characteristics of dyslexia to obtain a medical diagnosis in order to receive interventions.

The bill also requires that each teacher education program approved by the State Board of Education include dyslexia instruction in its initial program course requirements beginning in July 2019.

Lawmakers voted 44-0 pass the bill.