LANSING, Mich., Oct. 5, 2023 — On Wednesday, state Sens. Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) and Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) and state Rep. Carol Glanville (D-Walker) introduced comprehensive legislation to identify children who show signs of dyslexia and provide evidence-based intervention so they can achieve literacy. The bills, Senate Bills 567 and 568 and House Bill 5098, are based on legislation that passed the Michigan Senate nearly unanimously last session.
“Dyslexia is not rare; it affects up to 1 in 5 kids in each classroom,” Irwin said. “We have proven ways to help all kids learn to read. But those methods work much better when we intervene early, before kids with decoding difficulties start to really struggle in school. My bill would ensure that already required assessments are screening effectively for signs of dyslexia and make sure those students get evidence-based support early on.”
“Every teacher knows how empowering literacy is for students,” Polehanki said. “We want our students to succeed, and we know that dyslexia does not have to be a barrier to success if students get appropriate support. My bill would set standards for teacher preparation programs to make sure that teachers have the tools to help students with dyslexia and other reading difficulties.”
“Ensuring that every child has access to a quality education is one of my top priorities,” Glanville said. “As an educator, I’ve seen firsthand the unique challenges that those with dyslexia face. Proactively addressing dyslexia in schools ensures that those students are not left behind. My bill helps bring experts together to craft solutions that will help students with dyslexia thrive in classrooms and gives them the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
The bills have been referred to the Committees on Education in their respective chambers.
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