New York dyslexia, dysgraphia task force calls for early interventions, legislative support

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — In December, the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force released recommendations for improving support for kindergarteners through fifth graders. They targeted early detection for students struggling with reading and writing in schools statewide.

They called for a statewide system to diagnose dyslexia and dysgraphia, stressing the need for effective teaching methods for both students and educators. At the bottom of this story, you can check out the entire report, featuring a general outline of next steps: setting up a support system, starting early screenings with family input, and helping schools use proven solutions.

Dyslexia affects how well kids learn reading, writing, and spelling. People with dyslexia have difficulty recognizing words, figuring out letters and sounds, and understanding written text. Meanwhile, dysgraphia affects writing skills like handwriting, spelling, and organizing thoughts on paper. Kids with dysgraphia generally write slower, having trouble forming letters and spacing words. But kids in both groups typically have average or above-average intelligence.

The task force report recommended yearly screenings for K-5 students, better teacher training, a state resource center for educators, parent alerts for learning issues, and stronger support programs:

1. Clear definitions: Update definitions to emphasize the brain-based learning difference rather than poor schooling or unintelligence.
2. State oversight: Hire someone in state government to specifically to oversee policy and manage screening, interventions, and professional training.
3. Resource center: Set up a center to give teachers access to tools, training, and research on supporting students.
4. Best practices guide: Share information on what works best for helping students, including examples of effective screening and teaching methods.
5. Teacher training: Make sure all teacher training programs cover dyslexia and dysgraphia, including how to spot and help affected students.
6. Screen all students: Test all students in grades K-5 every year—and new students—to find those struggling with reading or writing.
7. Extra testing: For students flagged during screening, follow up with more tests and observations to confirm if they need extra help.
8. Clear screening tools: Give schools easy guidelines about how to screen for dyslexia and dysgraphia.
9. Parental involvement: Notify parents when screenings show signs of dyslexia or dysgraphia, and plan next steps with them.
10. Better diagnostics: Coordination and collaboration among state agencies would make it easier for families to get accurate evaluation.
11. Spread awareness: Translate resources and definitions into many languages for greater reach.
12. Support framework: Include dyslexia and dysgraphia in existing Multi-Tiered System of Supports and Response to Intervention programs that help struggling students.
13. Teacher training: NYSED should teach educators about evidence-based support for students.
14. Monitor progress: Regularly monitor schools to make sure they're working effectively with students and following protocols.

"This report coupled with the recent enactment of my Dyslexia Diagnosis Act marks real progress," said Assemblymember Robert Carroll, whose legislation created the task force. "I want to especially note the call for the State to create and appropriately fund a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, maintain an updated definition of dyslexia and dysgraphia that will serve as a guidepost for policy, to require universal screening for all students in grades K-5 for reading and writing difficulties, and that the State should set standards for teacher preparation programs and certifications that address dyslexia and dysgraphia."

Created by a state law and signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul in December 2023, the task force included teachers, education experts, school leaders, and people who have been affected by dyslexia or dysgraphia. Over the summer and fall of 2024, they reviewed evidence, held public hearings, considered written feedback, and came up with strategies.

The task force found widespread confusion about dyslexia and dysgraphia among teachers, schools, and families. Many educators lack training, and the state doesn't have strict requirements for certifications. Few schools screen all their students, so many students go undiagnosed until they're already struggling, and their families have to pay for private evaluations. Weak enforcement of disability law compounds the limitations on kids in New York who have dyslexia or dysgraphia.

Take a look at the report below: