If you are the sponsor or co-sponsor of this bill, please feel free to comment below about what the reviewer’s comments are.
Bill Details: SB 117: INTERVENTIONS FOR READING DIFFICULTIES PILOT
Sponsor: Sen. Aaron Osmond, Co-Sponsor: Rep. Francis D. Gibson
Bill Summary:
“(2) There is created the Interventions for Reading Difficulties Pilot Program to provide:
(a) specific evidence-based literacy interventions using an MTSS for students in kindergarten through grade 5 who are at risk for or experiencing a reading difficulty, including dyslexia; and
(b) professional development to educators who provide the literacy interventions described in Subsection (2)(a).”
MTSS = Multi-Tier System of Supports
• General Description: This bill creates a pilot program to provide interventions for students at risk for, or experiencing, reading difficulties, including dyslexia
• Highlighted Provisions:
o creates a pilot program to provide:
o professional development for educators; and
o literacy interventions to students in kindergarten through grade 5 who are at risk for or experiencing reading difficulties, including dyslexia;
o provides criteria for the State Board of Education to use in selecting local education agencies to participate in the pilot program;
o defines requirements for local education agencies that participate in the pilot program; and
o provides for a third-party evaluation
Reviewer Name: Morgan Olsen, Rating: Oppose
Reviewer Comments:
I have concerns about the damage caused by the State pressuring students to read on level before the age of 9, and labeling young kids by entering them into a program like this when the children are likely going to catch up on their own anyways. I recognize that there are severe issues like dyslexia that need extra help and attention, however this program goes beyond specialized disabilities to include all children below level. I believe this program to be developmentally inappropriate.
I’m also concerned about the medical data collected by a program like this. A dyslexia diagnosis privately obtained would legally be considered health data and possess the legal and professional-ethical protections thereof. In this educational program a diagnosis would legally be considered educational data and would be able to be shared with third-parties for research and policy making, leaving the children participating in this program significantly less protected.
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