Senate committee backs dyslexia‑sensitive universal screening and structured literacy measures

The Senate Education Committee on March 23 voted to advance House Bill 1891, which would require dyslexia‑sensitive universal screening, teacher training in structured literacy, and supports for pre‑teacher programs. Dozens of students, parents, teachers, and advocates testified in favor of the measure, with several elementary students speaking directly to senators about the difference early identification can make.

Multiple student speakers urged passage. ‘‘HB1891 helps Hawaii do exactly that,’’ said third‑grader Mila Richardson. Another student testified, ‘‘Please pass HB1891 so every child in Hawaii can learn to read and believe in themselves.’’ Educators and advocates urged accountability measures and supported an amendment to exempt Hawaiian‑medium (Kaipuni) schools from English‑centric requirements.

The Department of Education told senators it is already piloting dyslexia‑sensitive screening in many schools and aims to have all elementary schools using a dyslexia‑sensitive screener by the 2027–28 school year. DOE witnesses and advocates discussed costs — screeners vary in price, with some tools costing roughly $2 per student (DIBELS) and others more — and emphasized the need for evidence‑based interventions following screening.

The committee amended the bill (SD1) to include an effective date and to encourage DOE to pursue universal screening with accountability and reporting on implementation. Members asked DOE to provide school‑level data on which schools are using dyslexia‑sensitive tools and to include performance metrics so the measure’s impact can be tracked.

Senators praised the clarity and urgency of student testimony and noted the bill’s potential to improve long‑term literacy outcomes if implemented with clear accountability and funding.