ARIZONA
A comprehensive overview of Arizona's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Arizona's dyslexia laws mandate early screening, evidence-based instruction, and ongoing professional development for teachers. Schools must have a trained Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) and use evidence-based strategies for intervention. Educators are required to complete training in reading instruction and intervention methods, ensuring students with dyslexia receive consistent and effective support.
ARIZONA'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-219
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Summary: This statute requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules allowing certificated teachers and administrators to count training regarding screening, intervention, accommodation, and advocacy for students with reading impairments, including dyslexia, as continuing education credits.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Encourages teachers to pursue professional development in dyslexia-related training, enhancing their skills in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. For families, this means that teachers are better equipped to support their children’s learning needs.
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More: ARS § 15-219
2. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-249
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Summary: This statute allows the Arizona Department of Education to develop a dyslexia handbook that provides guidelines for teachers and families on identifying dyslexia and strategies to improve academic performance.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: The handbook serves as a vital resource for both educators and families, offering practical strategies for supporting students with dyslexia. It fosters collaboration between home and school by providing consistent information.
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More: ARS § 15-249
3. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-704
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Summary: This statute mandates that school districts and charter schools implement a comprehensive K-3 assessment system that includes universal screening for indicators of dyslexia. Schools must notify families if their child is identified as having indicators of dyslexia. It also mandates ongoing teacher training based on evidence-based reading practices.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification of reading difficulties, allowing for timely interventions. Families are kept informed about their child’s progress and are provided guidance on how to support their child’s literacy development at home. It mandates teacher preparation through ongoing professional development in evidence-based reading instruction.
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More: ARS § 15-704
4. Senate Bill (SB) 1318
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Summary: Establishes a dyslexia specialist position at the Arizona Department of Education and outlines additional training requirements for educators regarding dyslexia screening and intervention.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Provides teachers with access to expert guidance, improving their ability to support students with dyslexia. Families benefit from enhanced communication with schools regarding effective strategies for helping their children succeed.
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More: SB1318 Full Text
5. Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) § 15-701
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Summary: Outlines the requirements for reading instruction in Arizona schools, emphasizing the need for early screening, intervention and evidence-based practices that include phonemic awareness and other essential components of reading instruction.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Mandates evidence-based instruction, ensuring that teachers use effective methods to teach reading, leading to improved outcomes for students with dyslexia. Families can feel confident that their children are receiving high-quality instruction.
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More: ARS § 15-701
6. House Bill (HB) 2060
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Summary: Focuses on improving literacy instruction across Arizona schools by requiring that each K-3 school to have at least one teacher trained in dyslexia, as well as allocation of additional resources and support for teachers working with students who have reading difficulties, including those with dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Enhances teacher training and resources, benefiting students with dyslexia by providing them with better instructional support. Families can expect more resources available from schools to assist in their children’s literacy development.
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More: HB2060 Full Text
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD): Every school serving K-3 students must identify at least one Dyslexia Training Designee (DTD) who has completed approved training in:
- Reading Instruction (I)
- Intensifying Instruction (II)
- Understanding and Recognizing Dyslexia (URD)
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Certification Applicants: Must complete at least 45 classroom hours or 3 college-level credit hours in:
- Research-based systematic phonics instruction
- Reading instruction, including assessment training, instructional practices, and interventions
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Literacy Endorsement (by 2028): Teachers providing literacy instruction in kindergarten through grade five must:
- Complete evidence-based science of reading training or coursework
- Pass a literacy instruction assessment
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Ongoing Education: Certificate holders must complete at least 45 classroom hours or 3 credit hours in systematic phonics instruction within three years.
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MORE ARIZONA STATE RESOURCES
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