BRIEF SUMMARY

Michigan's dyslexia-related legislation has evolved, as more recent laws, Senate Bills 567 and 568 (2024), require K-3 dyslexia screening starting in the 2027-2028 school year and mandate that teacher preparation programs include instruction on dyslexia identification and intervention. Legislation funds early literacy efforts, defines dyslexia using the IDA definition, and the Michigan Dyslexia Handbook serves as a key resource for families and educators.

MICHIGAN LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS

1.  SB 567 (2024)
 

• Summary: This law requires schools to screen students for characteristics of dyslexia and other reading difficulties by the 2027-2028 school year, using evidence-based screening tools. The law also mandates that students receive interventions for reading difficulties under a multi-tiered system of supports (MTSS). Additionally, schools must provide parents with information about the screening results, available supports, and recommended next steps.
   

• How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures early identification of students with dyslexia, allowing for timely interventions and support.
   

• More: SB 567

2. SB 568 (2024)
 

• Summary: This law requires teacher preparation programs to include instruction on identifying and addressing dyslexia in students. Specifically, the law requires coursework on the characteristics of dyslexia, evidence-based screening methods, and effective interventions to support struggling readers.
   

• How This Affects Families and Educators: Improves teacher preparedness on evidence-based literacy practices to identify and support students with dyslexia.
   

• More: 
  - SB 568
  - Legislative Analysis of 568 (starting page 10)

3.  Section 388.1635a of The State School Aid Act (1979)

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• Summary: This section provides the legal definition of dyslexia in Michigan and outlines requirements for professional development, screening tools, and early literacy coaches.
   

• How This Affects Families and Educators: Establishes a clear definition of dyslexia and mandates support for teachers and students in addressing reading difficulties.
   

• More: Section 388.1635a of The State School Aid Act

TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

• By September 1, 2024, the Department of Education had to provide guidance regarding dyslexia technical assistance to districts and schools.
   

• By the 2027-2028 school year, all literacy consultants, literacy coaches, and other personnel providing reading intervention or instruction must receive professional learning on dyslexia characteristics, secondary characteristics of dyslexia, evidence-based instructional practices to support students with dyslexia.
   

• Teacher preparation programs must include instruction on identifying and addressing dyslexia in students, as well as evidence-based instructional.

More: MTSS Requirements

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MORE MICHIGAN STATE RESOURCES 

• Michigan Dyslexia Handbook​

• K-12 Literacy and Dyslexia Laws

• Michigan Dyslexia Institute

• Decoding Dyslexia Michigan

• IDA Michigan

• Michigan Alliance for Families

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