SRC-AXB C.S.S.C.R. 20 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS


Senate Research CenterC.S.S.C.R. 20
By: Haywood
Education
2/17/1999
Committee Report (Substituted)


DIGEST 

Despite a 1985 State Board of Education law requiring public schools to
identify dyslexic students and provide them with appropriate services, many
school districts have difficulty recognizing and serving these students.
Not every student is screened for dyslexia, and true dyslexia can be
confused with other learning disabilities.  Consequently, students' needs
are not being met.  Before recruiting teachers for the identification and
teaching of dyslexic students, it is necessary to identify the level of
competency required for certification as one qualified in dyslexic
education.  This legislation would direct the State Board of Education to
clarify the necessary staff development training for an educator to be
competent in the diagnosis and teaching of students with dyslexia and
related disorders. 

PURPOSE

As proposed, C.S.S.C.R. 20 submits the following resolutions:

That the 76th Legislature direct the State Board of Education to clarify
the staff development training necessary for a competent diagnosis and
teaching of students with dyslexia and related disorders. 

That the 76th Legislature direct the State Board for Educator Certification
to identify certification standards enabling beginning teachers to identify
and assist students with dyslexia and related disorders. 

That the secretary of state forward an official copy of this resolution to
the chair of the State Board of Education and the chair of the State Board
for Educator Certification. 

SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES

Amends C.S.S.C.R. 20 to clarify that most educator preparation programs and
staff development training programs for prospective and classroom teachers
fail to provide instruction on the characteristics of learning
disabilities.  C.S.S.C.R. 20 also directs the State Board for Educator
Certification to identify certification standards for beginning teachers,
relating to the identification and assistance of students with dyslexia and
related disorders.