By: Parker S.B. No. 2140

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to a student's eligibility for special education services provided by a school district, including services for dyslexia and related disorders.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. This Act may be cited as the Beckley Wilson Act.

SECTION 2. Subchapter A, Chapter 29, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 29.0031 to read as follows:

Sec. 29.0031. DYSLEXIA AND RELATED DISORDERS. (a) A school district may not delay an evaluation of a child suspected of having a disability because of the implementation of an intervention process where the school district:

(1) suspects that a K-12 student has dyslexia or a related disorder;

(2) identifies a student as at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia and related disorders, with quantitative and qualitative data showing that the student exhibits characteristics of dyslexia or other specific learning disabilities; or

(3) removes a student from their assigned campus who Exhibits academic difficulties in reading, spelling, written expression, or complex conditions and behaviors that could result from undiagnosed learning disabilities.

(a-1) A school district shall seek parental consent for a Full Individual Initial Evaluation (FIIE) that:

(1) assesses for dyslexia and related disorders using the best practices for identifying dyslexia aligned with knowledge and practice standards of an international organization on dyslexia and other recognized professional organizations, including the process outlined in the Texas Dyslexia Handbook (Figure: 19 TAC § 74.28(c));

(2) assesses for associated academic difficulties and other conditions that commonly affect students with dyslexia;

(3) includes at least one member on the multidisciplinary evaluation team with specific knowledge regarding the reading process, dyslexia and related disorders, and dyslexia instruction; and

(4) continues to provide grade level, evidence-based core reading instruction (Tier 1) and providing appropriate tiered interventions.

(a-2) When a student is evaluated by an LSSP or diagnostician for dyslexia or a related disorder under this section and is indicated not to have dyslexia or a related disorder, an individual defined in subsection (d) must be included in the interpretation of the evaluation data and co-sign the evaluation.

(b) The identification of dyslexia based on a preponderance of data in the evaluation process in subsection (a):

(1) satisfies the criteria for a student to meet the first prong of eligibility under IDEA. The state of Texas acknowledges that dyslexia is a condition included within the Specific Learning Disability category, thus dyslexia itself is a Specific Learning Disability and can be listed in the IEP as dyslexia, without the need to insert the broader term 'Specific Learning Disability; and

(2) does not require a variance among specific areas of cognitive function or between specific areas of cognitive function and academic achievement.

(c) If as a result of dyslexia, a student needs any additional instruction not provided to students without dyslexia, or additional instruction to access and progress in the general curriculum, then the ARD committee must:

(1) consider the student is eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) as a student with a disability; and

(2) document the instruction in the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that aligns with the Texas Dyslexia Handbook (Figure: 19 TAC §74.28(c)) ensuring it is delivered with fidelity to program descriptors, grouping formats, and training and skill of the most qualified teacher while meeting the individual needs of the student; or

(3) if a parent or guardian declines the IEP, the school district must submit a statement to TEA documenting that the parent fully understands the rights they are waving under the IDEA before recommending accommodations via a 504 without delay.

(d) Districts shall employ persons who may be a therapist, practitioner, specialist, or interventionist for students with dyslexia and related disorders. The person hired under this subsection is not required to hold a certificate or permit issued under Subchapter B in special education or a teaching certificate but must:

(1) when dyslexia is suspected, be prioritized as a member of the multidisciplinary evaluation team under subsection (a) with specific knowledge regarding the reading process, dyslexia and related disorders, and dyslexia instruction;

(2) be fully trained in the district's adopted dyslexia instructional material; and

(3) hold an appropriate license, including a license issued under Chapter 403, Occupations Code; or

(4) hold a certification issued by an appropriate association or have received training from an appropriate training provider, including an academic language practitioner or therapist certified by the Academic Language Therapy Association.

(d-1) The completion of a literacy achievement academy under Section 21.4552 by an educator who participates in the evaluation or instruction of students with dyslexia does not satisfy the requirements of this subsection.

(e) The board of trustees of each school district shall adopt a policy consistent with the grievance procedure adopted under Section 26.011, which does not interfere with parents due process rights under IDEA, to allow a parent to contest the school district's implementation of this section and the Texas Dyslexia Handbook (Figure: 19 TAC §74.28(c)).

(f) The commissioner shall adopt rules as necessary to implement this section. The rules must:

(1) include a process for school districts to submit a statement to the TEA each time a parent declines an Individualized Education Plan that attests that the parent fully understands the rights they are waiving under the IDEA; and

(2) include annual training requirements and signed affidavits to ensure Hearing Officers and School Board Trustees are aware and understand changes in legislation, commissioner rules, and any updated guidelines from the State Board of Education.

SECTION 3. This Act applies beginning with the 2023-2024 school year.

SECTION 4. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the commissioner of education shall adopt rules necessary to implement this Act using a negotiated rulemaking process under Chapter 2008, Government Code.

SECTION 5. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, each school district shall notify the parent or person standing in parental relation to a student who has been identified as having dyslexia or a related disorder and who received dyslexia intervention and instructional support in accordance with Section 504, Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. Section 794), during the 2022-2023 school year of the parent's or person's rights and benefits to request a full individual evaluation under Section 29.004, Education Code. The commissioner of education shall develop and make available a model notice that a school district shall use to provide the notice required by this subsection.

SECTION 6. Not later than September 1, 2023, the Texas Education Agency shall provide additional training materials to school districts on the evaluation and identification of students with dyslexia or a related disorder in accordance with this Act.

SECTION 7. This Act takes effect September 1, 2023.