Education: special education; at least 1 teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology; require each public school to employ. Amends sec. 1531 of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1531) & adds sec. 1253.
The introduction of HB 5135 signifies a substantial shift in how public schools will address dyslexia, promoting a systematic approach to teaching reading that is backed by extensive research and best practices. By mandating that each school has a trained teacher, the bill aims to better equip educational institutions to identify and assist pupils with reading disorders. This change could result in improved reading outcomes for affected students, hopefully reducing educational disparities that arise from untreated reading difficulties.
House Bill 5135 seeks to amend Michigan's 1976 Revised School Code, adding a new requirement for public schools to employ at least one teacher trained in the Orton-Gillingham methodology to assist students with dyslexia. This teaching approach is structured to support students with reading difficulties through a multisensory technique, integrating various language components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and vocabulary into daily lessons. The implementation of this requirement is set to commence in the 2025-2026 school year, emphasizing the state's commitment to improving reading instruction for students with specific learning disabilities.
While supporters of HB 5135 argue that the bill is essential for enhancing educational support for students with dyslexia, there may be concerns about the feasibility of training and retaining qualified staff across schools, particularly in rural areas where resources are already limited. Critics might question whether there are enough trained educators available to meet these requirements without overburdening the current educational framework or increasing costs for districts. Hence, while the law aims to improve education for specific learning disorders, its successful implementation will require careful consideration of resources and support for schools.