HB1657

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES	H.B. NO.	1657
THIRTY-SECOND LEGISLATURE, 2024
STATE OF HAWAII

A BILL FOR AN ACT

Relating to education.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. With only just over half of Hawaii's students reading proficiently, the legislature finds that there are insufficient early detection policies and assessment regulations in Hawaii to address students at risk of having dyslexia. Evidence shows that students who are not identified as struggling before grade three and brought up to proficiency have significantly lower rates of success in the future. To ensure a higher likelihood of success, students need proper intervention methods that are scientifically based. Additionally, Hawaii is one of a small number of states that does not have dyslexia-specific laws related to student support.

The purpose of this Act is to support students with dyslexia and other literacy challenges by requiring the department of education to conduct universal screenings for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify those at risk of having dyslexia and other learning disabilities.

SECTION 2. Section 302A-101, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding three new definitions to be appropriately inserted and to read as follows:

""Dyslexia" means a specific learning disability that is neurological in origin and characterized by difficulties with accurate or fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede the growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

"Phonemic awareness" means the ability to recognize that a spoken word consists of a sequence of individual sounds and the ability to manipulate individual sounds when speaking.

"Qualified dyslexia screening tool" means an assessment that measures a student's ability to demonstrate phonological awareness skills, phonemic decoding efficiency skills, sight word reading efficiency skills, rapid automatic naming skills, and accuracy of word reading on grade-level text."

SECTION 3. Chapter 302A, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§302A- Learning disabilities; universal screening. By the 2026-2027 school year, all public schools shall conduct universal screening using screeners approved by the department for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify those at risk of having a specific learning disability, such as dyslexia, so as to provide for identification of and support for these students. This screening process shall include:

(1) A list of approved qualified dyslexia screening tools that address the following components:

(A) Phonological awareness and phonemic awareness;

(B) Sound symbol recognition;

(D) Decoding skills;

(E) Encoding skills; and

(F) Rapid naming;

(2) A process for parents or guardians to provide informed consent for use of a qualified dyslexia screening tool;

(3) A process for parents or guardians to decline dyslexia screening for their child;

(4) A process to inform the student's parent or guardian of the screening results and the school's response within thirty school days of the assessment and offer the opportunity for a follow-up discussion;

(5) A process for providing the parents or guardians of students identified as having characteristics of dyslexia with information and resource material regarding dyslexia; and

(6) A process for schools to evaluate and monitor the student's progress after the identification of characteristics of dyslexia."

SECTION 4. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:	_____________________________