State Rep. Kokoruda Backs Special Education Legislation

From The Office of State Rep Noreen Kokoruda: State Representatives Noreen Kokoruda hailed the passage of legislation which establishes additional requirements for teachers seeking special education endorsements and instruction in detecting and recognizing students with dyslexia. The bill was signed into law by the governor on Wednesday, May 16.The law, Public Act 17-3, An Act Requiring Special Education Teachers to Complete a Program of Study in Evidence-Based Structured Literacy Interventions for Students with Dyslexia, passed out of both the House of Representatives and the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support.

The measure requires teachers applying for professional certification with a comprehensive special education or integrated early childhood and special education endorsement to complete a program of study in the diagnosis and remediation of reading and language arts that includes supervised practicum hours and instruction in the detection and recognition of, and evidence-based structured literacy interventions for, students with dyslexia. Rep. Kokoruda, a co-sponsor of the bill and member of the legislature’s Education Committee who spearheaded the passage of this legislation said, “Studies have shown that early detection is essential to ensuring that students with dyslexia have the tools they need to succeed.

I have heard countless testimonies from parents who explain how intensive intervention has helped their children in school. I was proud to co-sponsor this legislation to assist our young students, their families and dedicated teachers.”Dyslexia affects 20% of the United States population and is the most common learning disability. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research cites that of those who are placed in special education for a learning disability, around 80% of those have dyslexia.The legislative session adjourns at midnight on June 7th.

Image Courtesy of The Office of State Rep Kokoruda