Bill to screen TN students for dyslexia advances

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Legislation that would help identify students in Tennesssee with dyslexia has advanced.

The “Say Dyslexia” bill was sponsored by Rep. Joe Pitts of Clarksville and Senator Delores Gresham, R-Somerville. It was brought to them by Lori Smith, a constituent and mother of Ryann Smith, who is dyslexic.

Mrs. Smith, her husband Shane, and Ryann attended the Education Administration and Program Sub Committee on Tuesday, March 8th to testify about their experiences coping and helping Ryann with her learning challenge. The bill was passed to the Full Committee.

“Although the bill has a large fiscal note attached to it, I am hopeful we can work with the Department of Education and the Governor to fund this program under the Governor’s new Read to be Ready literacy initiative,” Rep. Pitts said.

Data shows that one in five students, or more than 200,000 in the state have characteristics of dyslexia. This legislation will put into place a screening tool for schools to use to identify these children who will then receive proper intervention.