Dyslexia screening laws: what parents should know
In short
Most U.S. states now have laws about dyslexia, and many require schools to screen young students for reading risk, often in kindergarten through third grade. Screening flags risk; it doesn't identify dyslexia. Rules differ by state, so check your state education department for details.
What do dyslexia laws usually require?
Laws vary a lot from state to state, but many cover the same ground. This is general information, not legal advice, and your own state's rules may differ from the list below.
- Screening young students for reading risk, often in kindergarten through third grade.
- Notifying parents when a child is found to be at risk.
- Providing extra reading help based on the results.
- Training teachers about dyslexia and reading instruction.
- Defining dyslexia in state law, often based on the International Dyslexia Association's definition.
- Publishing a state dyslexia handbook or guidance for schools.
Is screening the same as an evaluation?
No. A screener is a short check given to many students to find who may be at risk. It might take five or ten minutes. An evaluation is a much fuller assessment by qualified professionals, and it's needed to identify dyslexia or qualify a child for special education.
| Screening | Evaluation | |
|---|---|---|
| Who takes it | Many or all students | One child, when there's a concern |
| Time | Minutes | Several hours |
| Given by | Teachers or trained staff | Qualified evaluators |
| Result | At risk or not at risk | A full learning profile and eligibility decision |
| Needs parent consent | Usually not | Yes, written consent |
What do screeners check?
Screeners for young children usually check skills that predict later reading. These include knowing letter names and sounds, hearing the sounds in words, and reading simple real or made-up words. Some states also require checking rapid naming, which is how fast a child names familiar things like letters or colors.
For older students, screeners often include timed reading of a short passage.
What happens if my child is flagged?
In many states, the school must tell you and offer extra reading help. The school may also check your child's skills more closely or monitor progress more often. A flag is not a label. Many children who are flagged do well with extra help.
- Ask the school what the screener showed and what it means.
- Ask what help your child will get, how often, and for how long.
- Ask how progress will be checked and shared with you.
- If you are worried about dyslexia, request an evaluation in writing.
What does federal law say about dyslexia?
The federal special education law, IDEA, lists dyslexia as an example of a specific learning disability. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Education told schools there is nothing in the law that stops them from using the word dyslexia in evaluations, IEPs and meetings. Federal law doesn't require dyslexia screening, though. Screening rules come from the states.
How do you find your state's rules?
Start with your state department of education website and search for dyslexia. Many states publish a dyslexia handbook that explains screening, help and parent rights. The National Center on Improving Literacy keeps a map of state dyslexia laws that can point you in the right direction.
Your state's parent training and information center can also explain the rules for free. Every state has at least one.
What questions should you ask your school?
- Parent
- Does the school screen for reading risk, and when?
- Teacher
- We screen everyone in kindergarten through third grade, in fall, winter and spring.
- Parent
- Can I see my child's results, and what happens if a child is flagged?
- Teacher
- Yes. We'll share results, and flagged students get small-group help and checks every two weeks.
Why did states start passing these laws?
Mostly because parents pushed for them. For years, many families heard that a child was too young to test or should wait until third grade, and some children went years without the help they needed. Parent groups across the country worked with lawmakers to make early screening and teacher training part of state law.
Research also played a part. Studies showing that early help works better and costs less than later help gave lawmakers a strong reason to act, and many states now link their screening laws to wider changes in how reading is taught.
What are the limits of screening?
Screeners are quick, so they can't catch everything. Some children who are flagged turn out to be fine, and some children who pass still struggle later. A screener is a starting point for a conversation, not a final answer about your child.