Redefines dyslexia to mean a specific learning disability characterized by difficulties in word reading and/or spelling that involve accuracy, speed, or both and vary depending on the orthography.
Impact
The proposed amendments are designed to improve literacy outcomes, particularly focusing on young students from kindergarten through grade three. It encourages school districts to establish a strong literacy foundation through various strategies, including reducing class sizes and providing intensive remedial support. The bill aims to ensure that instructional approaches are grounded in research and tailored to meet the needs of all students, particularly those with dyslexia or other learning challenges, thereby positively impacting overall academic performance and future opportunities.
Summary
House Bill 7909 aims to amend the Rhode Island Literacy and Dropout Prevention Act by redefining dyslexia and enhancing the literacy program framework for elementary education. The bill specifically characterizes dyslexia as a significant learning disability affecting word reading and spelling, emphasizing the importance of early identification and intervention for students. It also mandates that all elementary school districts implement screening processes to determine children's educational readiness and identify any disadvantaged educationally backgrounds before their entry into school.
Contention
While the bill is largely viewed positively in terms of its intent to bolster educational frameworks and address the needs of students with dyslexia, there may be concerns regarding the implementation logistics and resource availability for school districts. Critics could raise issues related to the adequacy of funding for enhanced training of teachers and the development of evidence-based strategies. Additionally, the focus on screening may lead to debates about the best methods for identifying students who require additional support without stigmatizing those who may be in the early stages of learning.
Updates the statutory terminology by replacing the phrase "institutions of higher learning" with that of "educational institutions" and redefines child daycare centers as educational institutions.
Requires that all cosmetics manufactured, sold, delivered, held or offered for sale contain a label that completely and accurately list all of their component ingredients.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Limits the use by insurers of step therapy, a protocol that establishes a specific sequence in which prescription drugs for a specified medical condition are covered by an insurer, by allowing medical providers to request step therapy exceptions.
Provides that parents and guardians of children with disabilities in private school have the same rights and remedies as parents/guardians of children in public school.
Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.
Specifies that low and moderate income housing exists when a city or town has adopted an inclusionary zoning ordinance requiring that all housing developments include at least fifty percent (50%) low or moderate income housing units.
Requires that one third of all Rhode Island teachers, each year for the next 3 years, be trained in the basic emergency and response skills curriculum ("BEARS"), specifically in hand-only cardiopulmonary resuscitation/Heimlich maneuver/bleeding control.
Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.
Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.