Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia
SB25-200 would require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado
DENVER, CO – The Senate today unanimously passed legislation to ensure early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia, adding to existing reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.
SB25-200, sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, would require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia.
“Supporting students with dyslexia requires a different approach than supporting those with general reading challenges – they need specific tools to succeed,” said Kolker. “The vast majority of other states already require universal dyslexia screenings, and it’s time for Colorado to step up. Early intervention is everything, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right information and support.”
“My ‘why’ for this bill is my amazing daughter, who has dyslexia,” said Mullica. “Even as a family actively involved in her education, we struggled to get her the support she needed to thrive. The screenings schools currently use for reading challenges don’t go far enough, and one-size-fits-all interventions simply don’t work. By implementing universal, early dyslexia screenings, we can ensure that no child – regardless of their background or circumstance – falls through the cracks.”
According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Colorado is one of seven states that does not mandate screenings for dyslexia.
SB25-200 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.