MAINE
A comprehensive overview of Maine's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Maine mandates early screening for students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 who are identified by teachers as having difficulties in phonological and phonemic awareness, sound-symbol recognition, alphabet knowledge, decoding skills, rapid naming skills, and encoding skills. The law also requires structured interventions and teacher training in evidence-based literacy instruction. Schools must implement structured literacy approaches, and educators are required to complete professional development focused on dyslexia.
MAINE LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. Maine HP01630 / LD231 (2015)
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Summary: This legislation defines dyslexia using the International Dyslexia Association's definition, requires screening for dyslexia for students in kindergarten through grade 2 who have been identified by a teacher as having reading difficulty, and establishes a dyslexia consultant position at the Department of Education.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Improves early identification of students with dyslexia through early screening, and provides schools with expert guidance through the dyslexia consultant.
2. MRS Title 20-A, §4710-B
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Summary: This statute requires school administrative units to screen students in Kindergarten through Grade 2 who are identified by a teacher as having difficulty in phonological and phonemic awareness; sound-symbol recognition; alphabet knowledge; decoding skills; rapid naming skills; or encoding skills.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification of students with dyslexia, allowing for timely interventions and support.
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More: MRS Title 20-A, §4710-B
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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The dyslexia consultant must provide school administrative units with:
- Dyslexia professional awareness training, including training on indicators of dyslexia.
- Development and implementation of professional development plans focused on evidence-based screening practices.
MORE MAINE STATE RESOURCES
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