NEW YORK
A comprehensive overview of New York enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
New York has enacted several key legislative measures to support students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia. These laws aim to enhance awareness, promote early identification, and establish evidence-based educational practices to address the unique needs of these students.
NEW YORK'S LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. A02687 (2025)
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Summary: Establishes a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within the New York State Education Department to define dyslexia and dysgraphia, set evidence-based standards for universal screening and interventions, guide teacher preparation, create a comprehensive guidebook for schools and educators, issue public reports on progress, and provide professional development and guidance for local education agencies.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Families benefit from clear policies, universal screening, and access to evidence-based interventions for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. Educators and school leaders gain research-backed guidance, professional development, and tools to identify, teach, and support students with reading and writing difficulties.
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More: A02687 (2025)
2. S5481A/A2898A – Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act (2024)
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Summary: Requires health insurance policies that provide physician or medical coverage to include comprehensive neuropsychological examinations for diagnosing dyslexia and determining an individual’s psychological, emotional, and educational needs.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Expands access to dyslexia diagnosis by ensuring insurance coverage for neuropsychological testing, which can be costly and is often not covered. Supports earlier identification and intervention for students with dyslexia, helping families access the services their children need.
3. S2599 - Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force Act (2023)
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Summary: Establishes a dyslexia and dysgraphia task force to examine appropriate and effective evidence-based screening methods, reading interventions, and other educational supports for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia in kindergarten through grade five.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Creates a framework for developing comprehensive dyslexia and dysgraphia support systems in New York schools; promotes evidence-based screening and intervention practices; enhances awareness and understanding of dyslexia and dysgraphia among educators and policymakers; and aims to improve early identification and support for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
4. A8262/S6581 (2017)
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Summary: This bill requires the Commissioner of Education to issue a guidance memorandum to school districts and BOCES to inform them of the unique educational needs of students with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and dysgraphia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Increases awareness and understanding of these learning disabilities in educational settings, potentially leading to better support for affected students.
5. Chapter 216 of the Laws of 2017
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Summary: This law amends the Education Law to include provisions for the New York State Education Department to issue guidance on the unique educational needs of students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators:Provides a framework for schools to better understand and address the needs of students with these learning disabilities.
6. Part 200 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education
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Summary: These regulations define learning disabilities, including conditions such as dyslexia, and outline the requirements for special education services. They outline the responsibilities of school districts in identifying, evaluating, and providing appropriate educational services to students with disabilities.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Ensures that students with dyslexia are recognized under the category of learning disabilities and receive the necessary support and services as mandated by state regulations.
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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New York State requires that all teacher preparation programs include training on the identification and instruction of students with dyslexia as part of their literacy coursework.
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The New York State Education Department (NYSED) mandates that teachers are trained in evidence-based practices for teaching reading, including understanding dyslexia and effective instructional strategies.
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All educators applying for certification must complete training on the identification and intervention of students with dyslexia as part of their professional development.
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NYSED encourages professional development opportunities focused specifically on dyslexia, including workshops and training sessions provided by various educational organizations.
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Schools are encouraged to utilize resources such as the New York State Dyslexia Handbook to inform instructional practices and support students with dyslexia.
More:
MORE NEW YORK STATE RESOURCES
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Q&A of Students with Disabilities Resulting from Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
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Meeting the Needs of Students with Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia
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Identification of Students with Learning Disabilities within a Multi-Tiered System of Support
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New York State Snapshot – National Assessment of Educational Progress
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