MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT Assembly Bill A2687 (Carroll)/Senate Bill 5569 (Fahy)

Establishes a center for dyslexia and dysgraphia within the department of education.

An Act to amend the education law, in relation to establishing a center for dyslexia and dysgraphia within the department of education.

Educators for Excellence – New York strongly supports Assembly Bill A.2687/S.5569, which would establish a center for dyslexia and dysgraphia within the department of education to enhance the identification and support of students exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia. The bill would accomplish this by establishing the center to define dyslexia and dysgraphia, collect and share best practices, set evidence-based standards for teacher preparation, universal screening, and interventions, and develop informational tools for educators.

The demand for additional supports for students with dyslexia is clear. New York State ranks 37th out of 50 states in literacy scores, and it is estimated that up to 12% of students in New York are dyslexic. The state legislature took an important step in 2024 by creating the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force to examine the best way to support students with these learning disabilities. Now it is time for New York State to take the next step in mandating the identification and support mechanisms that the task force has identified as effective for ensuring that dyslexic students grow into confident readers.

This bill aligns with the New York State ESSA Plan’s commitment to equity and education by ensuring that schools are equally welcoming environments for all students, and by allocating funds to better support those students with the greatest needs.

By creating the center to dictate specific screenings, interventions, and curricular materials for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, New York can help ensure that every student, whether they have a learning disability like dyslexia or not, has access to materials that will aid their literacy and numeracy acquisition. Educators for Excellence – New York applauds the Legislature for passing Bill A2687/S5569 and calls on Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law. 

This investment will aid the academic and professional futures of students across the state.

For more information, contact:

Lasana Tunica-El

Sr. Deputy Director, Campaigns

Educators for Excellence – New York

646-696-5156

[email protected]