Kentucky

A comprehensive overview of Kentucky’s enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

Brief Summary

Kentucky’s dyslexia laws emphasize early identification, evidence-based interventions, and professional development for educators to support students with dyslexia. Schools are required to implement screening, provide targeted training, and develop policies to ensure consistent support for students and families.

Kentucky Legislations and Regulations

HB69 (2012)

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Summary

This legislation amends KRS Chapter 158 to define “dyslexia” and “qualified dyslexia screening tools.” It mandates the Kentucky Department of Education to provide a dyslexia toolkit, including guidance on instruction and the identification of dyslexia and requires collaboration with the Kentucky Collaborative Center for Literacy Development for updating teacher professional development related to dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Teachers are given the necessary tools to identify and support students with dyslexia. Families are assured that schools are taking steps to support children with dyslexia and learning disabilities, including early identification and targeted interventions.

HB187 - The Ready to Read Act (2018)

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Summary

The Ready to Read Act requires the early identification of students at risk for dyslexia and mandates evidence-based interventions. Schools must implement early literacy screening for K-3 students and provide specific professional development for teachers to support students with dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

This law empowers teachers with training and resources for early detection of dyslexia, ensuring that students receive timely interventions. Families benefit from the assurance that their children are receiving the appropriate support based on research-backed instructional practices.

Kentucky Revised Statute 158.307

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Summary

This statute requires school districts to develop policies for identifying and addressing dyslexia in students. It mandates dyslexia screening for grades K-3 and the use of evidence-based interventions for students identified as at risk for dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

This statute ensures consistency across districts in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia, offering guidelines for teachers and providing a standardized approach for schools to follow. Families benefit from clearer expectations about the dyslexia support and screening available.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • By the 2019-2020 school year, teacher preparation programs had to have provided training in dyslexia, screening, and intervention strategies.
  • The Kentucky Department of Education collaborates with other agencies to offer ongoing professional development in dyslexia instruction for current educators.

More Info

HB187