Oklahoma will now screen for dyslexia, the most common learning disability.
House Bill 2804 was signed by Governor Kevin Stitt on Tuesday. The measure will require dyslexia screening for students reading below grade level in kindergarten through third grade.
People with dyslexia often have trouble with word recognition, spelling and phonics. But because of a general lack of support and screening, it often goes unrecognized.
Rep. Mike Sanders (R-Kingfisher), one of the authors of the bill, says the learning disorder can seem confusing, but screening for every struggling reader will be a game changer.
"Why dyslexia never comes to the forefront, I do not know. But it will now," Sanders said. "And this is a big, big deal."
Experts say screening and identification go a long way to helping a child read.
The law will go into effect for the 2022-23 school year.
