This is dyslexia screening requirement. We’re one of roughly ten states that has no formal mechanism to detect kids who have the characteristics of dyslexia. I know, as a teacher, for a very long time I wasn’t trained in dyslexia. It was rarely mentioned, but I do know there were a lot of kids I had who struggled to read—and I was a high school teacher. What I now know is those kids who, I could see it on their faces, they just thought they were dumb. I wonder how many kids of mine, and I can see them each year in my mind’s eye, struggling to read actually had dyslexia and we didn’t catch it? They may still think they’re dumb as young adults and adults today.
I also think of a former constituent of mine who testified in the Senate Education Committee. His name is Deon. He was from Inkster, made it to the NFL, and in part because he couldn’t read the playbook, he was let go. His coaches thought he just didn’t care enough to read the playbook, but he couldn’t read the playbook. So as a young adult, well into his 20s, he sat down with a reading coach and learned phonics, and it all just broke free for him, according to him. He’s now a fluent reader.
I’d like to thank Senator Irwin—this has been his brain child for years—Senator Theis and Senator Runestad for working on it last session, Representative Koleszar in the House for being a huge champion, and for Deon. I’m hoping you’re about to see what can happen when we come together and vote on good legislation. I’m hoping that we’re going to see an entirely green board up here, to show that we can agree on things when it’s good legislation. So I ask that my colleagues vote “yes” on both bills in the package.
Senate Bill No. 568, entitled
A bill to amend 1976 PA 451, entitled “The revised school code,” (MCL 380.1 to 380.1852) by adding section 1531e.
The House of Representatives has substituted (H-2) the bill.
The House of Representatives has passed the bill as substituted (H-2), ordered that it be given immediate effect and pursuant to Joint Rule 20, inserted the full title.
Pending the order that, under rule 3.202, the bill be laid over one day,
Senator Singh moved that the rule be suspended.
The motion prevailed, a majority of the members serving voting therefor.
The question being on concurring in the substitute made to the bill by the House,
The substitute was concurred in, a majority of the members serving voting therefor, as follows: