TENNESSEE
A comprehensive overview of Tennessee's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.
BRIEF SUMMARY
Tennessee mandates early dyslexia screening, evidence-based interventions, and professional training for teachers in foundational literacy skills. Schools must notify families about their child’s screening results and develop an individualized learning plan for characteristics of dyslexia (ILP-D) that outlines the evidence-based interventions the student will receive.
TENNESSEE LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS
1. SHB2635/HB2616 - Dyslexia Screening (2016)
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Summary: This bill requires the Tennessee Department of Education to develop and implement a dyslexia screening tool for all students in grades K-2. It emphasizes the need for evidence-based interventions for students identified with dyslexia using a Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) model.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: This legislation ensures that teachers are equipped with the tools necessary to identify and support students with dyslexia, leading to improved educational outcomes. This legislation also ensures that caregivers are notified if their children are determined to be ‘at-risk’ for dyslexia based on the screening results. Families can expect timely interventions and resources to help their children succeed.
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More: SHB2635/HB2616
2. HB1735/SB2002 (Dyslexia Training and Advisory Council)
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Summary: This legislation mandates that school districts provide dyslexia-specific training for teachers and implement tiered interventions for students demonstrating characteristics of dyslexia. It also requires the establishment of a Dyslexia Advisory Council.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: By ensuring that educators are trained in dyslexia-specific strategies, this law promotes better support for affected students. Families will benefit from enhanced communication and resources regarding their children's learning needs.
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More: HB1735/SB2002
3. PC1058 ('Say Dyslexia’ Bill) (2016)
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Summary: Public Chapter 1058 requires the Tennessee Department of Education to create procedures for screening and intervention related to dyslexia. It outlines specific screening methods and mandates that local education agencies (LEAs) notify families if their child exhibits characteristics of dyslexia.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: This law ensures that families are informed about their child's dyslexia screening results, fostering collaboration between families and schools. Teachers are guided in implementing effective interventions based on screening outcomes.
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More: PC1058
4. Tennessee Literacy Success Act/ Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-1-905 (2021)
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Summary: Mandates universal reading screening for all students in Kindergarten-Grade 3 (which can be used to satisfy the dyslexia screening requirements in the ‘Say Dyslexia’ Bill). Also requires all educators to receive training in foundational literacy skills, and requires schools to adopt curricular programs and screeners from a state approved list.
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How This Affects Families and Educators: Enhances educators' ability to provide evidence-based reading instruction through required training while ensuring families receive timely updates on their child's literacy progress, fostering stronger collaboration in early intervention efforts.
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More: § 49-1-905
TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS
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All teachers in Grades K-5 must complete at least one (1) professional development course on foundational literacy skills instruction approved by the department.
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Training should cover:
- Evidence-based instructional practices for teaching foundational reading skills.
- Implementation of tiered interventions through a Response to Instruction and Intervention (RTI²) framework.
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Local education agencies are required to provide ongoing support and resources for teachers working with students identified as having 'significant reading deficiency’ through the development of professional development modules as part of the Reading 360 initiative.
More:
- Dyslexia Resource Guide (2024)
- Tennessee Literacy Success Act Training and Licensure Requirements
MORE TENNESSEE STATE RESOURCES
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