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Committee moves forward with dyslexia-sensitive universal screening and training for K–3 with modifications
Summary
The committee voted to pass HB 1891 with amendments to delay implementation dates and to request DOE recommendations on approved dyslexia-sensitive screeners and teacher training; the bill had wide support from educators, disability advocates and parents.
HB1891, which would require dyslexia-sensitive universal screening for early grades and related teacher training, drew broad support from teachers, parents and advocacy groups.
Reading League Hawaii and several classroom teachers and literacy specialists urged early, validated screening instruments that assess phonemic awareness, decoding, rapid naming and fluency. Serena Marsden of Reading League Hawaii said, "HB1891 ensures that all students in kindergarten through third grade receive dyslexia-sensitive universal screening ... so we can act early before reading difficulties become entrenched."
Multiple dyslexic students and family members testified about late identifications and the boost that structured literacy instruction produced once a diagnosis and appropriate methods were in place.
Department of Education witnesses described an ongoing work group to identify approved dyslexia-sensitive screeners and training resources; DOE officials said many schools already use universal screeners (such as DIBELS or i-Ready) but the working group will recommend dyslexia-sensitive options and training tools and share them with schools.
In decision-making the committee passed HB1891 with amendments that adjust implementation timing and ask the DOE to provide recommended screeners and training details in an HD2 draft for committee consideration. The committee adopted the recommendation to create HD2 and revised effective dates; members asked DOE to deliver working-group recommendations to the committee.
What happens next: HB1891 passed out of committee with amendments; DOE will return recommended approved screeners and training guidance to the committee for the HD2 proposal.
