91短视频

• October 12, 2015

California Gov. Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1369 last week, which is aimed at helping dyslexic children in California public schools. This is the first time in more than 20 years that dyslexia legislation has been enacted in the state of California.

"One of the key problems facing public education today in California is the need for early and accurate identification, assessment and remediation of students with dyslexia,” said Kathy Futterman, CSUEB lecturer and supervisor for both the Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Teacher Education. “The passage of AB 1369 into law is a critical first step for California educators and administrators. We will be working closely with the state superintendent of public instruction and various organizations and experts in the field to ensure effective implementation."

Futterman is part of the leadership team for Decoding Dyslexia California, a grassroots organization that sponsored AB 1369, as one of several dyslexia experts and consultants. AB 1369 was introduced by Assemblyman Jim Frazier, D-Oakley.

Decoding Dyslexia is currently in all 50 states and works in collaboration with numerous state and national organizations regarding dyslexia awareness, early identification, teacher training, and implementing “Structured Literacy” approaches in public schools.

Dyslexia, which is neurobiological in origin, specifically impairs a person's ability to read words accurately and fluently. Individuals with dyslexia typically read at levels significantly lower than their non-dyslexic counterparts. According to Decoding Dyslexia, the learning disorder impacts approximately 20 percent of the overall population. In California alone, this means that more than 1 million students in public schools show signs or symptoms of dyslexia. It is the single largest learning disability and without proper identification and appropriate reading remediation, most dyslexic children will never read at grade level.

The new laws will require California to update the state’s Education Code for identifying dyslexic children and getting them access to special education services by adding “phonological processing” to the eligibility criterion. The new requirements also include program guidelines to be developed by the state superintendent of public education and the California Department of Education to assist teachers, parents, and professionals in identifying, assessing, and improving educational services for dyslexic students.

“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,” Frazier said. “AB 1369 championed the voice of over 6,500 parents statewide who have voiced their strong support for giving dyslexic students the remediation that decades of research has shown they need.”

According to Futterman, the signing of AB 1369 is a step in the right direction. 91短视频 is already addressing the issue of teaching students with dyslexia, but is also looking for new ways to increase awareness and understanding through credentialing curriculum. The Department of Educational Psychology and the Department of Teacher Education currently have required courses focused on education practices for students with mild/moderate disabilities, addressing the needs of diverse learners in the general education classroom, and inclusion and special education.

Jack Davis, chair of CSUEB’s Department of Educational Psychology, also trains school psychology candidates in how to assess and identify dyslexia in public schools. He recently co-authored a book entitled, “Identifying, Assessing and Treating Dyslexia in School.”

Futterman said work has been ongoing when it comes to helping students with dyslexia, but much more needs to be done. "I am hoping that with the semester conversion process, we can take a look at where and how to incorporate more coursework around dyslexia awareness, identification and remediation in our credentialing programs,” Futterman said.