Albany, NY – Assemblymember Robert Carroll (D/WF-Brooklyn) today announced that his legislation (A.133 / S.2599) to establish an expert statewide task force on dyslexia was signed into law by Governor Hochul.

The legislation requires the New York State Education Department Commissioner to establish a task force to examine appropriate and effective evidence-based screening methods, reading interventions and other educational supports for dyslexia and dysgraphia for students in kindergarten through grade five. Studies have shown that as many as one in five children have dyslexia or another phonemic awareness issue, but there is still no consistent approach in New York to addressing their needs. 

“This legislation marks an important step towards holistically addressing the needs of students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. I want to thank the parents, students, teachers, and advocacy groups across the state who have been at the forefront in calling for this bill. I am grateful to Governor Hochul and her team for finding a way to reach consensus so this bill could become law," said Assemblymember Carroll.

The task force will be chaired by the SED Commissioner and comprised of no less than ten members, all appointed by the Commissioner and will include:

• at least two professionals who specialize in identifying, evaluating, and diagnosing individuals with dyslexia and related disorders
• at least one member who specializes in educating individuals with dyslexia and related disorders
• at least one parent of a student with dyslexia;
• at least one individual with dyslexia
• at least one representative from an institute of higher education who is an expert in dyslexia and related disorders.
• at least one member who is a public school teacher who specializes in teaching literacy and evidence-based reading instruction.

The task force will conduct at least two public hearings and submit a report with findings and recommendations to the Commissioner of Education, the Governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the President of the Senate within twelve months after it becomes law.

“I am confident that under State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa’s leadership the task force will arrive at substantive recommendations for evidence-based screening methods, interventions, and supports for students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. I look forward to the public hearings the task force will hold and continuing to engage with families, advocates, experts, teachers, and my colleagues in government to make sure all our children can be fluent readers and succeed in school," said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. 

“As a person with dyslexia who had the extraordinary benefit of being diagnosed early and given the proper interventions, I know first-hand how much of a difference evidence-based reading interventions can make. I owe my success to my parents and the teachers at the Gateway and Windward schools who made sure that I was given the support I needed to overcome my dyslexia,” added Carroll.