The Task Force was established through legislation authored and sponsored by Assemblymember Carroll (A.133/S.2599) and was signed into law by Governor Hochul in December 2023.

The Task Force, which consisted of 49 members, 12 of which were recommended by Assemblymember Carroll, included teachers, school leaders, education experts, and individuals with or family members of people with dyslexia or dysgraphia. It met throughout the summer and fall of 2024 and held three public hearings taking testimony from over one hundred members of the public. The Task Force Report includes fourteen recommendations pertaining to screening methods, reading interventions and other educational supports for dyslexia and dysgraphia for students in kindergarten through grade five.

“Since taking office in 2017, I have spearheaded multiple efforts to address New York’s childhood literacy crisis and the special challenges facing children with dyslexia and their families. I am very encouraged by the work of the Task Force and the critical recommendations included in the Task Force Report. This report coupled with the recent enactment of my Dyslexia Diagnosis Act (A.2898/S.5481) marks real progress. Thanks to State Education Commission Betty Rosa and her team for the hard work that was put into the Task Force,” said Assemblymember Robert Carroll. “I want to especially note the call for the State to create and appropriately fund a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, maintain an updated definition of dyslexia and dysgraphia that will serve as a guidepost for policy, to require universal screening for all students in grades K-5 for reading and writing difficulties, and that the State should set standards for teacher preparation programs and certifications that address dyslexia and dysgraphia. I believe that to ensure that the State maintains best practices over time the recommended center should be enshrined in State law and will be introducing legislation to that effect this session. If established with a strong mandate and appropriate support, such a center will help thousands of children learn to read and become successful students and will save our public schools millions by reducing the need to pay for private special education services.”

"EdTrust-New York is pleased that the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force has released its final report. The report provides important recommendations that, if adopted, will address the needs of Dyslexic students, particularly Black students, who are disproportionately affected by the lack of screening and support for Dyslexia. Research shows that schools diagnose Black students with Dyslexia at half the rate of White students, resulting in unequal access to appropriate services and support. Additionally, studies have shown that a disproportionate share of the incarcerated population have both Dyslexia and are Black, contributing to the school to prison pipeline. We look forward to working with Assemblymember Carroll and other state leaders to ensure all New York students and educators receive the evidence-based literacy support they deserve,” said Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, Executive Director of EdTrust-New York.

“As a professor who researches the development of literacy, I was proud to serve on the New York State Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force. I want to note the recommendations regarding data driven instructional approaches and teacher preparation training, which are critical for in-service and pre-service teachers to best serve students with dyslexia and dysgraphia. I look forward to continuing to partner with state education leaders and elected officials like Assemblymember Carroll,” said Dr. Katharine Pace Miles, Associate Prof. & Dir. of Reading Science Ad. Cert., Brooklyn College.

“For the past 22 years of my career as an educational leader serving students with language-based learning disabilities, I’ve seen firsthand the impact an effective education can have on students with dyslexia. I am thrilled that New York State is working to support students with Dyslexia, and I was very proud to have the opportunity to participate in the Task Torce.I believe that the recommendations set forth by the task force will provide a strong foundation for the state to build on.I want to note in particular the importance of creating a common working definition of dyslexia and focusing on training teachers at the university level to allow students with language-based learning disabilities to receive the services they so desperately need. I look forward to continuing this important work to drive meaningful change and successful outcomes for New York’s students,” said Jamie Williamson, head of The Windward School.

“I am incredibly proud to have served on the NYS Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force and contributed to the development of recommendations for effective interventions. This culmination of years advocating for improved reading instruction for all children, particularly those with dyslexia, is a true honor. I extend my sincerest gratitude to Assemblymember Robert Carroll for his confidence in recommending me to join this esteemed group of colleagues across New York. We are fortunate to have a leader like Assemblymember Carroll who champions the needs of all children and tirelessly fights for their families,” said Faith Borkowsky, Literacy Consultant.

funding to support the implementation of screening and services for students identified with dyslexia, are critical. Equally important is the recommendation that mandates clear notification to the families of these students, so they are provided with the tools and accurate information needed to make critical decisions for their student(s). I look forward to continuing to partner with education leaders across the State, the New York State Education Department, and mission aligned elected officials like Assemblymember Carroll to assure the work of the taskforce is thoughtfully and urgently made reality,” said Tim Castanza Executive Director and School Leader, Bridge Preparatory Charter School.