Senate Education Committee advances SB 200 to expand dyslexia screening and interventions after hours of testimony from students, parents and experts

Senate Bill 200 — legislation to require universal dyslexia screening and to strengthen early identification and supports for students with reading difficulties — was advanced by the Senate Education Committee to the Committee of the Whole after extensive testimony from students, parents, educators and advocacy organizations.

Sponsor Senator Mullica opened the hearing by describing the bill’s goal: to make sure students with dyslexia are identified early and receive appropriate instruction and services rather than being left to “fall through the cracks.” Witnesses included students who described late diagnosis and its academic and emotional consequences; parents who described the cost and delay of private evaluations; district and nonprofit experts who presented screening data and implementation experience; and dyslexia specialists who described evidence-based instruction.

Multiple students provided personal testimony. Winston Unger described being diagnosed after years of falling behind, receiving intensive tutoring at a private program, and subsequently catching up academically. Caden…