2015 -- H 5582 SUBSTITUTE A

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVICES

PROGRAM

     Introduced By: Representatives Lombardi, Amore, Hull, McKiernan, and Williams

     Date Introduced: February 25, 2015

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     Section 1. Chapter 16-26.1 of the General Laws entitled "Rhode Island Vision Education

and Services Program" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     16-26.1-6. Dyslexia regulations to be adopted. -- (a) Findings of fact. The general

assembly finds and declares as follows:

     (1) Dyslexia has significant educational implications that must be addressed;

     (2) Dyslexia adversely affects a child's educational performance;

     (3) Dyslexia is highly prevalent, affecting one out of five (5) individuals in some form,

and is persistent;

     (4) Dyslexia is a paradox, so that often the same individual who has a weakness in

decoding or reading fluency also has strengths in higher level cognitive functions such as

reasoning, critical thinking, concept formation, and problem solving;

     (5) Great progress has been made in understanding dyslexia at a scientific level,

including its epidemiology, and cognitive and neurobiological bases; and

     (6) The diagnosis of dyslexia is critical, and must lead to focused, evidence-based

interventions, necessary accommodations, self-awareness, self-empowerment, and school and life

success.

     (b) Regulations incorporating a definition of dyslexia.

     (1) The state council on elementary and secondary education shall promulgate rules and

regulations that incorporate the definition of dyslexia that is set forth in subsection (b)(2) of this

section, as well as the findings set forth in subsection (a) of this section.

     (2) For purposes of this section, "dyslexia" shall be defined as an unexpected difficulty

in reading and spelling in an individual who has normal intelligence. Dyslexia reflects difficulty

in phonological processing (understanding the sounds of spoken language) and/or visual

processing, which typically affects speaking, reading, spelling, and often, learning a second

language.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO EDUCATION - RHODE ISLAND VISION EDUCATION AND SERVICES

PROGRAM

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     This act would make certain findings about dyslexia and would establish a definition of

"dyslexia". This act would also direct the council on elementary and secondary education to

promulgate rules and regulations to incorporate this definition and findings.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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