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WASHINGTON

A comprehensive overview of Washington's enacted legislation, regulations, certification requirements, and state-provided resources related to dyslexia education.

WA SUMMARY

BRIEF SUMMARY

Washington mandates early dyslexia screening, evidence-based interventions, and teacher training in structured literacy techniques. Schools communicate regularly with families about intervention plans.

WA Laws

WASHINGTON LEGISLATIONS AND REGULATIONS

1. SB6162 - Early Screening for Dyslexia - (2018)

  • Summary: TThis bill establishes requirements for the early screening of literacy skills related to dyslexia in Washington schools. It mandates that school districts conduct screenings for students in kindergarten through second grade and provides guidelines for interventions based on the screening results. Additionally, it calls for the convening of a dyslexia advisory board to identify best practices for screening and intervention. 

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: By requiring early identification of dyslexia, this legislation ensures that students receive timely support and interventions. Educators are better equipped to address the needs of students with dyslexia, while families can expect proactive communication regarding their children's literacy development.
     

  • More: SB6162

2.  RCW 28A.300.530

  • Summary: This regulation requires the development of an educator training program focused on research-based, multisensory literacy interventions for students with dyslexia and a dyslexia handbook for teachers and parents, offering guidelines and statutory information. 
     

  • How This Affects Families and Educators: This regulation families gain a comprehensive resource to understand and support their child’s needs, while ensuring schools follow consistent, informed practices. Teachers receive specialized training and guidelines to implement effective literacy interventions.
     

  • More: RCW 28A.300.530

WA TEACHER

TEACHER CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT REQUIREMENTS

  • All educators in Washington are encouraged to participate in professional development focused on dyslexia identification and intervention strategies.
     

  • Training should include:
    - Evidence-based instructional practices for teaching reading.
    - Identification of students with characteristics of dyslexia.
    - Implementation of tiered interventions through a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) framework.

     

  • School districts are required to provide ongoing support and resources for teachers working with students identified as having dyslexia.
     

More:

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The research reported here is funded by a grant to the National Center on Improving Literacy from the Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, in partnership with the Office of Special Education Programs (Award #: H283D210004). The opinions or policies expressed are those of the authors and do not represent views of OESE, OSEP, or the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal government. Copyright © 2025 National Center on Improving Literacy.

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