Texas House Bill HB3870

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the program requiring dyslexia screening and testing in public schools.

Impact

The bill amends the Education Code to enhance monitoring and compliance with dyslexia screening programs by the State Board of Education. It empowers the Texas Education Agency to conduct audits and site visits to ensure that districts adhere to the new screening protocols. Additionally, it allows parents or guardians of students diagnosed with dyslexia to file complaints regarding noncompliance with applicable laws and standards, promoting accountability within school districts. This initiative is expected to improve the quality of support services provided to students with dyslexia.

Summary

House Bill 3870 establishes requirements for dyslexia screening and testing in public schools across the state of Texas. It mandates that students enrolling in public schools undergo screening or testing for dyslexia and related disorders. This requirement is intended to enhance early detection and intervention for students who might struggle with dyslexia, thereby supporting their educational journey. The bill outlines specific procedures that school districts must follow to identify students in need of assessment at the end of kindergarten and first grade.

Contention

Potential points of contention surrounding HB 3870 may arise from the implementation of these screening measures. Some stakeholders may express concerns regarding the sufficiency of resources allocated for training district personnel to effectively execute the new procedures. Furthermore, there may be debate over the adequacy of the complaint process established for parents, with some advocating for stronger measures to protect students' rights to necessary educational resources. Balancing the needs of students with adequate funding and training for schools remains a central issue for policymakers.