CALIFORNIA
A comprehensive overview of California's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
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'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. Assembly Bill 1454
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Summary: Requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to update standards so teachers, literacy specialists, and administrators are trained in evidence-based reading instruction by 2028. The State Board of Education must also adopt new K–8 English Language Arts and English Language Development materials by 2027, aligned with the state’s ELA/ELD Framework and dyslexia guidelines.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures that teachers, literacy specialists, and administrators are trained in effective literacy instruction. Promotes the use of high-quality, evidence-based instructional materials that meet the needs of all students, including English learners, students with dyslexia, and those with reading difficulties, helping to ensure every child receives strong literacy instruction from well-prepared educators.
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More: Assembly Bill 1454
2. Assembly Bill 1369
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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.
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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.
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More:
- Assembly Bill 1369
- Chapter 647
3. Senate Bill 114
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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.
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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.
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More: Senate Bill 114
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.
Under Assembly Bill 1454, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing must revise standards for teacher and administrator preparation programs to ensure candidates are trained to deliver and support effective literacy instruction grounded in the science of reading. By January 1, 2028, programs for the Reading and Literacy Leadership Specialist Credential and Reading and Literacy Added Authorization must include training on evidence-based methods such as explicit and systematic instruction in phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. By September 1, 2028, administrator preparation programs must prepare school leaders to support teachers in implementing these literacy practices. All updates must align with the ELA/ELD Framework.
More:
MORE CALIFORNIA STATE RESOURCES
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