New Hampshire

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

Brief Summary

New Hampshire requires schools to screen all students in Kindergarten through Grade 3 for dyslexia indicators, provide evidence-based interventions for students identified as having potential risk factors or indicators of dyslexia, and notify caregivers of the results of the screener as well as any intervention(s) being provided to the child. Professional development focuses on dyslexia awareness, intervention methods, and phonics-based reading instruction. Schools are also required to maintain regular communication with families regarding intervention plans.

New Hampshire Legislations and Regulations

HB 377 (2023)

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Summary

This bill requires additional dyslexia screening and intervention for kindergarten through third-grade students who fail to meet grade-level benchmarks on the universal screener. The bill requires school districts to complete this additional assessment within 30 days of the original screener to determine if a child need differentiated, supplemental evidence-based reading instruction intervention.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Enhances early identification and intervention for students with dyslexia characteristics. Schools must provide evidence-based reading interventions to students who fail to meet grade-level benchmarks on the initial screener and additional assessment.

HB 604 (2023)

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Summary

This bill allows the Department of Education to employ a staff member who is a reading specialist to provide school districts with the support and resources necessary to assist students with dyslexia and related disorders and their families.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Improves access to expertise on dyslexia and related disorders for school districts; enhances support for students with dyslexia and their families; provides technical assistance to schools in addressing the needs of students with dyslexia.

HB 1644 (2016)

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Summary

This bill defines dyslexia using the IDA definition, requires screening and intervention for dyslexia and related disorders, establishes a reading specialist position in the Department of Education, and provides more comprehensive teacher training on dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures early identification and support for students with dyslexia. Teachers can access training on dyslexia awareness and intervention strategies, such as recognition of characteristics of dyslexia and related disorders, and dysgraphia, and evidence-based interventions and accommodations for dyslexia and related disorders, and dysgraphia.

RSA 200:58

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Summary

This statute provides definitions for dyslexia and related disorders.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Establishes clear, legally recognized definitions, ensuring consistent understanding across educational settings and with other states across the country.

RSA 200:59

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Summary

This statute outlines requirements for screening and intervention for dyslexia and related disorders in Kindergarten-Grade 3. The regulation also outlines the process by which caregivers are to be notified of screening results, evidence-based interventions being implemented, and possible referrals to special education.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Mandates screening procedures and intervention strategies for students identified with potential dyslexia characteristics. It also provides concrete requirements to notify caregivers of their child’s results and progress in any interventions.

RSA 200:61

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Summary

This statute requires the state reading specialist to develop and publish professional development modules on the characteristics of dyslexia and interventions and evidence-based practices to support students with dyslexia teacher professional development and training related to dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Expands opportunity for both pre-service and in-service educators to learn about dyslexia and evidence-based interventions educators receive training on recognizing dyslexia characteristics and implementing evidence-based interventions.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • All teachers and school administrators must have access to professional development materials on recognizing dyslexia characteristics and evidence-based interventions.
  • Teacher preparation programs must include explicit professional awareness of best practices for recognizing dyslexia as well as evidence-based practices and intervention to support students with dyslexia.

More Info

Teacher Professional Development and Training