Bill would require universal screening for dyslexia

State Sen. Anthony Portantino, D–Burbank, has introduced legislation that would require California schools serving students in grades kindergarten through second grade to screen students for dyslexia.

Senate Bill 691 would mandate those screenings annually, unless parents or guardians opt to not have their children screened.

“Dyslexia is the most common learning disability and yet it often goes undetected,” Portantino said in a statement. “Early identification and intervention with evidence-based strategies is key to helping children read and vital to their academic success. By screening all students for dyslexia early, we can help families and teachers achieve the best learning and life outcomes for all students, close academic achievement gaps, and help end the school-to-prison pipeline.”