Earlier this month, Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill (HB) 583 which made changes to the dyslexia support law. The changes take effect on Sept. 22.
HB 583 delays, for one year, the requirement for annual tier one dyslexia screenings for grades K-6. The screenings must now begin in the 2023-24 school year, rather than in 2022-23. Ohio Revised Code (RC) 3323.251. [Note: RC provisions linked in this blog post are those that will be effective on Sept. 22.] Districts may choose to implement the screenings prior to the 2023-24 school year.
The new law requires that districts comply with any statutorily required provisions of the Dyslexia Guidebook regarding the best practices and methods for universal screening, intervention and remediation for children with dyslexia or displaying dyslexic characteristics and tendencies. RC 3323.251(C)(1). The guidebook is now available on the ODE website. The guidebook has been updated by ODE to reflect the amendments in HB 583.
The amendments also clarify that professional development in dyslexia requirements do not apply to teachers who provide instruction in fine arts, music or physical education. RC 3319.077(A)(4).
OSBA’s division of legal services will continue to monitor developments related to dyslexia screening and provide more information as it becomes available. Please contact the division at (855) 672-2529 or (855) OSBA-LAW if you have questions. Districts can also reach out with questions to ODE at Dyslexia@education.ohio.gov.