A package of bills filed in 2012 would require schools to conduct early screenings for dyslexia and other reading disabilities, train teachers in serving these students, and specifically define dyslexia as a reading disability in school regulations.
The bills mirror the recommendations of the Reading Disabilities Task Force Report, issued in August 2012.
As many as 80 percent of all students eligible for special education have a language disability, but experts say dyslexia—defined as a specific difficulty in processing words and sounds—is not always addressed with appropriate programs.
The task force completed its work in August, with six recommendations; its report was formally submitted to Governor Chris Christie and the legislature in December. State Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said his department would consider the recommendations in light of cost constraints and other potential complications, and move forward with implementation where appropriate.
