The original instrument and the following digest, which constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument, were prepared by Cheryl Serrett.
DIGEST
SB 254 Engrossed 2018 Regular Session Appel
Present law provides for every child in public school in grades kindergarten to third to be screened
at least once for existence of impediments to a successful school experience. Such impediments
include dyslexia and related disorders, attention deficit disorder, and social and environmental
factors.
Present law provides that the screening shall be done by personnel who have been appropriately
trained.
Proposed law retains present law and requires the State Board of Elementary and Secondary
Education (BESE) to develop criteria whereby a teacher may be issued a dyslexia practitioner or
dyslexia therapist ancillary certificate.
Proposed law provides that in order to be issued an ancillary certificate, a teacher shall:
(1)Hold a valid Louisiana teaching certificate.
(2)Demonstrate completion of a multisensory structured language training program accredited
by a nationally recognized accrediting organization.
(3)Pass a multisensory structured language education-related competency examination that is
administered by a nationally recognized professional organization that issues national
certifications.
Proposed law provides that BESE shall promulgate rules to implement proposed law in accordance
with the Administrative Procedure Act by July 1, 2019.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Adds R.S. 17:392.2)