Kansas

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

Brief Summary

Kansas mandates early dyslexia screening, structured interventions, and professional development for teachers. Schools are required to follow evidence-based literacy practices and ensure teachers receive training in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. These laws aim to improve literacy outcomes for all students.

Kansas Legislations and Regulations

HB2485 (2026)

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Summary

This bill strengthens Kansas literacy requirements by expanding literacy screening and reporting, requiring individual student literacy plans for high-risk K-3 students, and requiring elementary schools to employ licensed reading specialists beginning in the 2029–2030 school year. It also establishes requirements for evidence-based literacy instruction, educator preparation, and professional learning.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Students identified as high risk through literacy screening will receive individualized literacy plans that include targeted interventions, progress monitoring, and family involvement. Educators will also face strengthened preparation, practicum, and professional learning requirements focused on evidence-based literacy practices.

SB16 (2019)

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Summary

This bill requires the Kansas State Board of Education to identify and approve evidence-based programs for at-risk students and those facing other barriers to success.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures that schools implement effective programs to support struggling students, including those with dyslexia.

HB2602 (2018)

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Summary

This bill established a dyslexia task force to make recommendations regarding the use of evidence-based practices for students with dyslexia.

How This Affects Families and Educators

The task force’s recommendations led to significant changes in dyslexia identification and support in Kansas schools, benefiting both students and educators.

Kansas Every Child Can Read Act

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Summary

This act emphasizes the importance of literacy instruction based on the Science of Reading, evidence-based practices, and early intervention for students with characteristics of dyslexia. It promotes the use of best practices such as phonics, phonological awareness, and reading comprehension strategies aligned with the state’s Dyslexia Handbook.

How This Affects Families and Educators

Ensures consistent literacy instruction across Kansas schools, mandates tiered interventions for struggling readers by third grade, and requires schools to report progress to the Kansas State Department of Education.

Teacher Certification and Professional Development Requirements

  • Kansas requires annual structured literacy/dyslexia training for teachers and additional training for new teachers.
  • Recommendations, based on the Dyslexia Task Force’s work, cover pre-service training, professional learning, screening and evaluation, and evidence-based reading practices.

More Info

Kansas Education Framework for Literacy
Dyslexia Updates from the Kansas State Department of Education