Carroll Backs Bill to Help Identify Dyslexia, Modify Learning to Fit Students’ Needs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – School districts would be better equipped to meet the educational needs of children displaying signs of dyslexia under legislation backed by state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook.

“Dyslexia is one of the most common learning disabilities and can affect not only a child’s ability to read but their self-esteem as well,” said Carroll. “The sooner we can identify gaps between a child’s intelligence and reading skills, the better the chance of that child succeeding in school with the right kind of help from teachers and support staff.”

Carroll is backing House Bill 4406, which establishes statewide screening guidelines for dyslexia and a support framework for children whose screenings indicate risk factors or characteristics of the learning disability. The measure also calls for the Illinois State Board of Education to hire at least five specialists or therapists with appropriate experience to assist school districts with reporting and responding to the results of students’ screenings.

“The purpose of this legislation is twofold, in that it will help school districts identify children who need extra intervention and make sure the services those kids receive are sufficient to meet their needs,” said Carroll. “Overall, it will lead to improved learning outcomes for some of our most vulnerable students.”