REFERENCE TITLE: appropriation; dyslexia and literacy services

State of Arizona

Senate

Fifty-fifth Legislature

First Regular Session

2021

SB 1292

Introduced by

Senator Shope

AN ACT

appropriating monies to the department of education.

(TEXT OF BILL BEGINS ON NEXT PAGE)

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the State of Arizona:

Section 1.  Appropriation; department of education; dyslexia and literacy services

The sum of $2,500,000 is appropriated from the state general fund in fiscal year 2021‑2022 to the department of education for the following purposes:

1.  Designating a dyslexia specialist for the department of education to provide school districts and charter schools with support and resources as prescribed in section 15‑211, subsection B, Arizona Revised Statutes.

2.  Developing a list of training opportunities related to dyslexia pursuant to section 15‑219, Arizona Revised Statutes.

3.  Implementing a dyslexia screening plan pursuant to section 15‑704, Arizona Revised Statutes.

4.  Providing early literacy professional development to teachers across this state.

5.  Improving the reading proficiency of pupils in kindergarten programs and grades one, two and three, including administering the reading program prescribed in section 15-211, Arizona Revised Statutes.

6.  Gathering, aggregating and analyzing statewide data related to early literacy and dyslexia.

7.  Distributing to school districts and charter schools to do the following:

(a)  Provide additional funding to support pupils with language‑based learning struggles, including dyslexia.

(b)  Enhance professional development and expand teacher training opportunities.

(c)  Improve screening measures and intervention materials.

(d)  Procure dyslexia screening assessment tools from vendors approved by the department.

(e)  Provide intensive instruction for pupils who meet any of the following criteria:

(i)  Are eligible for special education as a pupil with a specific learning disability in reading or writing, or both.

(ii)  Have a section 504 plan as defined in section 15‑731, Arizona Revised Statutes.

(iii)  Have a documented diagnosis of dyslexia.

(iv)  Are eligible for tier two or tier three services under the multitiered system of support.