Governor Brown signs Frazier bill to help dyslexic students
Sacramento, CA – Thursday, Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1369, an important piece of legislation by Assemblyman Jim Frazier (D – Oakley) aimed at helping identify dyslexic children in California public schools.
“I applaud the Governor for signing AB 1369 into law,” said Frazier. “AB 1369 received strong bipartisan support in the Legislature because it provides an important first step in addressing a new model that facilitates learning for all students, particularly that of students with learning disabilities.”
The bill requires California to update the criteria for identifying dyslexic children for special education services by adding “phonological processing” to the identification process for special education eligibility. It also provides program guidelines to be developed by our State Superintendent of Public Education and the CA Dept. of Education to assist teachers, parents and professionals in identifying, assessing and improving educational services for dyslexic students.
“The dyslexic community has come together to bridge the gap of decades of knowledge surrounding dyslexia and the lack of action taken by our public education system,” said Tobie Meyer, Decoding Dyslexia CA Lead Legislative Member. “AB 1369 will allow proper identification and appropriate evidence-based remediation for dyslexic students. This is an important first step in getting our kids the help they need to learn to read, write and spell at grade-level and experience educational success.”
Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability wherein individuals experience difficulties with language skills such as spelling, writing and pronouncing words. Approximately 20 percent of students in the education system have dyslexia, and as a result, experience difficulty in functioning academically.
“Over the past few months we have built a strong coalition of parents, teachers and supporters — together, our hard work and dedication has paid off,” said Frazier. “AB 1369 championed the voice of over 6,500 parents statewide who have voiced their strong support for giving dyslexic students the help that decades of research have shown they need.”
To contact Assemblyman Frazier please visit his website or call his District Offices at 707-399-3011 or 925-513-0411. Follow him on Facebook and “Like” him for updates on events and happenings in the 11th AD.