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CALIFORNIA

A comprehensive overview of California's  enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

California SUMMARY

BRIEF SUMMARY

California mandates early dyslexia screening, evidence-based reading instruction, and professional training for teachers. Schools are required to follow dyslexia guidelines developed by the state’s Department of Education, and teacher preparation programs must include training in identifying and supporting students with dyslexia. These laws aim to ensure consistent, high-quality literacy support across schools.

California Laws

CALIFORNIA'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS

1. Assembly Bill 1369

  • Summary: This law requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to develop guidelines for identifying and assessing students with dyslexia. It also mandates that these guidelines be used by schools to improve educational services for students with dyslexia. Chapter 647 was added later and builds on AB 1369 by emphasizing the need for schools to implement the guidelines developed by the CDE. It ensures that teachers are trained the use of these guidelines to identify and support students with dyslexia.
     

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: This law provides teachers with clear guidelines for identifying and supporting students with dyslexia, fostering a more informed approach to literacy instruction. Families benefit from having access to standardized information and resources that help them understand how to support their children’s learning.
     

2. Senate Bill 114

  • Summary: This bill establishes comprehensive requirements for screening students for reading difficulties, including dyslexia. As part of this bill, Section 53008 mandates that local educational agencies (LEAs) screen students in kindergarten through second grade for reading delays. These screenings aim to identify at-risk students early and provide necessary interventions, ensuring schools implement evidence-based literacy instruction practices. 
     

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: By mandating early screening, this legislation allows teachers to identify reading difficulties earlier, enabling timely and effective interventions. SB 114 also enhances teacher training and resources, equipping educators to better support students with dyslexia. Families are informed about their child’s reading abilities and can engage in supportive activities at home. Improved communication between schools and families ensures a collaborative approach to literacy development.
     

  • MoreSenate Bill 114

California TEACHER

TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

Under Senate Bill 488, teacher preparation programs in California must incorporate the California Dyslexia Guidelines into their curriculum. This includes training on evidence-based literacy instruction techniques that address dyslexia.
 

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The research reported here is funded by a grant to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: H283D210004). The opinions or policies expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. Copyright © 2025 National Center on Improving Literacy.

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