GEORGIA
A comprehensive overview of Georgia's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Georgia requires universal dyslexia screening for K-3 students, evidence-based interventions, and teacher training in structured literacy instruction. Educators can earn a Dyslexia Endorsement to specialize in supporting students with dyslexia. These measures ensure early identification and consistent intervention for affected students.
GEORGIA'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. HB538 - Georgia Early Literacy Act (2023)
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Summary: This act mandates evidence-based literacy instruction and training for early childhood educators and public-school teachers from kindergarten through third grade. It establishes requirements for universal reading screeners, high-quality instructional materials, reading intervention plans, and formative assessments while ensuring teacher certification standards include literacy-focused competencies.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Families will receive detailed reports on their children’s literacy progress and benefit from intervention plans tailored to students’ needs. Educators must undergo training in evidence-based literacy instruction, utilize approved high-quality materials, and administer universal reading screeners and interventions to support early literacy development effectively.
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2. Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Code of Georgia (2019)
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Summary: This legislation provides for the identification and support of students in kindergarten through grade three with characteristics of dyslexia. It requires the State Board of Education to create policies for identifying and assisting these students and mandates the Department of Education to provide a dyslexia informational handbook, professional development opportunities, and a pilot program to evaluate early reading assistance.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Establishes a framework for early identification and intervention for students with dyslexia characteristics, ensuring more timely and appropriate support. It also equips educators with ongoing training and tools to implement evidence-based reading strategies effectively.
3. SB48 (2019)
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Summary: This bill requires the development of policies for referring K-3 students for dyslexia screening through the response-to-intervention process. It also requires a dyslexia informational handbook with evidence-based practices and structured guidance for educators and families and establishes professional development opportunities to improve teacher training on dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Families will benefit from clear screening processes, resources, and informed consent for supporting students with characteristics of dyslexia. Educators will gain access to enhanced training, tools, and evidence-based practices to provide effective interventions and accommodations for students with dyslexia.
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More:
- Senate Bill 48
- Chapter 2 of Title 20 of the Code of Georgia
4. SR761 (2018)
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Summary: This resolution established a Senate Study Committee on Dyslexia to explore and draw attention to the educational impact of dyslexia on Georgia students.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: The committee's work led to increased awareness and subsequent legislation addressing dyslexia in Georgia schools, laying the foundation for future policy changes and improved support systems.
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More: SR761
5. SR743
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Summary: This resolution recognizes the importance of dyslexia awareness and its relevance to education in Georgia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Raises awareness about dyslexia and its educational implications, encouraging more focused attention on supporting affected students.
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More: SR743
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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The Georgia Professional Standards Commission created a Dyslexia Endorsement for teachers trained in recognizing and responding to students with characteristics of dyslexia and language disorders. Requirements for the dyslexia endorsement may include:
- Training on universal screening measures to identify those at risk for dyslexia
- Providing guidance to families
- Providing training or guidance to other teachers and school personnel
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The Professional Standards Commission established measures to assess the fidelity of teacher training and implementation for teachers who receive the dyslexia endorsement.
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The Georgia Early Literacy Act requires K-3 teachers to complete the Dyslexia Endorsement as one of four pathways to meet legislative requirements.
More:
MORE GEORGIA STATE RESOURCES
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