Indiana

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

Brief Summary

Indiana mandates dyslexia screening, intervention, and teacher training in evidence-based literacy practices. Schools must employ trained reading specialists and provide professional awareness training for all educators. These measures ensure early identification and structured support for students with dyslexia.

Indiana Legislations and Regulations

Indiana Code 20-18-2-3.5 (2020)

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Summary

This code provides the IDA definition of dyslexia in Indiana, describing it as a specific learning disability with neurological origins characterized by difficulties in accurate or fluent word recognition, poor spelling, and decoding abilities. It also mandates the processes for dyslexia screening of all students in grades K-2, the implementation of interventions for students who are flagged as ‘at risk’ on Dyslexia Level 1 and 2 screeners under a Response to Intervention (RTI) model, and the creation of a reading specialist trained in dyslexia in each school district or corporation.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Establishes a clear, legally recognized definition of dyslexia, provides processes for screening, identifying, and supporting students for risk of dyslexia, and ensures knowledgeable educators on dyslexia are employed by every school district/corporation.

SB217 (2018)

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Summary

This bill established requirements for dyslexia screening, intervention, and teacher training. It mandated that schools use response to intervention processes for students at risk for dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensured early identification and intervention for students with dyslexia characteristics, and provided for teacher professional development.

PL215/HB1108 (2015)

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Summary

This bill defined dyslexia and required teacher training programs to prepare teachers to recognize students who may need referral for special learning needs, including dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Improved teacher preparedness to identify and support students with dyslexia.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • Each school corporation and charter school must employ at least one authorized reading specialist trained in dyslexia.
  • The authorized reading specialist must successfully complete training through a dyslexia training program approved by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).
  • All teachers must receive professional awareness information related to dyslexia, including:
    • Characteristics of dyslexia
    • Evidence-based interventions for dyslexia
    • Accommodations for students with dyslexia
  • Teacher preparation programs must include content on identifying and supporting students with dyslexia.
  • Schools may offer the IDOE’s online training module to provide professional awareness information to teachers.

More Info

2024-2025 Dyslexia Guidance for Schools
Indiana Code § 20-20-1-13