Georgia Senate Bill 48 is a law designed to support students with dyslexia. Dyslexia is a learning difference that affects reading. This legislation mandates that Georgia schools implement early screening for dyslexia in kindergarten, first, second, and third grades. By identifying students with dyslexia at an earlier age, schools can provide targeted interventions and support to help these students succeed. The Multi-tiered System of Supports framework facilitates the identification and implementation of interventions for students exhibiting characteristics of dyslexia. SB 48 is a significant step towards ensuring that all Georgia students have the opportunity to become proficient readers.

International Dyslexia Association’s Definition of Dyslexia:

Dyslexia is a specific learning disability that is neurobiological in origin. It is characterized by difficulties with accurate and fluent word recognition and by poor spelling and decoding abilities. These difficulties typically result from a deficit in the phonological component of language that is often unexpected in relation to other cognitive abilities and the provision of effective classroom instruction. Secondary consequences may include problems in reading comprehension and reduced reading experience that can impede growth of vocabulary and background knowledge.

Learn more about dyslexia by visiting these helpful resources:

• https://www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Curriculum-and-Instruction/Pages/Dyslexia.aspx
• https://dyslexiaida.org/dyslexia-basics/
• https://dyslexia.yale.edu/dyslexia/dyslexia-faq/
• https://ldaamerica.org/disabilities/dyslexia/