Dyslexia Support Laws
Meeting Ohio’s Dyslexia Support Laws
The 133rd Ohio General Assembly passed legislation concerning the screening of and intervention for children with dyslexia. Ohio’s dyslexia support laws (ORC 3323.25, 3323.251, 3319.077 and 3319.078) established requirements for the formation of the Ohio Dyslexia Committee, teacher professional development for identifying dyslexia and instructing students with dyslexia, dyslexia screening measures and a structured literacy certification process for teachers. Learn more about how WCS is meeting these requirements below.
Screening and Progress Monitoring
- Administer a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure to all kindergarten students.
- Administer a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure to students in grades 1-6 whose parent, guardian or custodian request or teacher requests and the student’s parent, guardian or custodian grants permission for the screening measure to be administered.
- Administer a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure to each kindergarten student who transfers into the district or school midyear during the school’s regularly scheduled screening of the kindergarten class or within 30 days after the student’s enrollment if the screening already has been completed.
- Administer a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure to each student in grades 1-6 who transfers into a district or school midyear within 30 days of a parent, guardian, or custodian request, or teacher requests and the student’s parent, guardian, or custodian grants permission for the screening measure to be administered.
- Students determined to be at risk from the tier 1 dyslexia screening measure will be progress-monitored for up to six weeks. Students who do not demonstrate progress will be administered a tier 2 dyslexia screening measure. The district may administer a tier 2 screening measure to any student for whom the district administered a tier 1 screening measure.
- Districts must administer a tier 2 dyslexia screening measure in a timely manner to a transfer student identified as at risk on a tier 1 dyslexia screening measure. The Ohio Dyslexia Committee recommends this take place within 30 days of completing the tier 1 dyslexia screening.
WCS will:
- Use DIBELs as our Tier I Dyslexia Screener, progress monitoring tool and Tier II Screener
Teacher Professional Development
- Teachers will complete professional development that is evidence-based and requires instruction and training for identifying characteristics of dyslexia and understanding the pedagogy for instructing students with dyslexia.
WCS will:
- Support the State mandated Science of Reading Dyslexia Course for those requested to complete the course
- Ensure all staff complete the Science of Reading Training required for K-12 by June 30, 2025
Communication with Parents, Guardians and Custodians
- Parent, guardian or custodian of students who are determined to be at risk from the universal screener must be notified.
- Families of students who are progress monitored and do not demonstrate progress within the six-week period must be notified that an intervention based diagnostic assessment (tier 2 screener) will be administered.
- Families must receive the results of the tier 2 screening measure within 30 days of administration.
- If a student demonstrates markers for dyslexia, the parent, guardian or custodian must be provided a written explanation of the district or school’s structured literacy program.
WCS will:
- Use a district created notification letter that includes required items
- Provide resources for families on Dyslexia and Structured Literacy at Curriculum Nights, Online, and in screener notification letters
Structured Literacy Certification Process
- Districts must establish a structured literacy certification process for teachers providing instruction for students in grades kindergarten through three employed by the district. Each process must align with this guidebook.
WCS will:
- Continue to offer a year long Orton Gillingham certification program facilitated by WCS Staff
Concerned about your child’s reading ability?
Westerville City School is here to help. Reach out to your child’s teacher to learn more about your child’s progress and what the school can do to support you. Below are some additional resources to check out to learn more!