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SB 25-200

Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 66 co-sponsors

Colorado now screens for dyslexia in early literacy (READ Act), triggers targeted interventions, requires parent notification, and expands data tracking to boost early reading.

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Bill Summary · SB 25-200

SB 25‑200 — Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements

Status: Governor Signed (May 23, 2025)
Introduced: March 18, 2025

Purpose and intent

SB 25‑200 amends Colorado’s early literacy framework (the READ Act) to strengthen identification, notification, and supports for students with dyslexia or dyslexia‑type characteristics. The bill’s stated purpose is to improve early detection and ensure consistent, evidence‑based interventions and supports so students at risk for reading disabilities receive timely help.

Key provisions (summary)

The bill text is not included here; the following summarizes the bill’s central elements as reflected by its title and legislative summary language:

  • Dyslexia screening integrated into READ Act early literacy screening:
    • Requires schools to screen students for dyslexia or dyslexia‑type characteristics as part of routine READ Act/early literacy screenings (typically in early elementary grades).
  • Standardized procedures and timelines:
    • Establishes when and how often screenings must occur (for example, at school entry and during K–3), and clarifies referral pathways for further assessment.
  • Student literacy/intervention planning:
    • Requires creation or adjustment of Student Literacy Plans or similar individualized plans that include dyslexia‑specific intervention strategies when screening indicates need.
  • Teacher training and professional development:
    • Directs school districts or the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) to provide training for educators on dyslexia indicators and evidence‑based, structured literacy instruction.
  • Parent notification and supports:
    • Requires timely parent/guardian notification of screening results and available interventions, and may require guidance on resources and referral options.
  • Data reporting and oversight:
    • Expands reporting requirements to track screening outcomes, interventions provided, and progress; authorizes CDE oversight or technical assistance to ensure compliance.
  • Implementation/funding:
    • May include provisions for state technical assistance, guidance documents, and potential allocation of resources (check the enacted text for specific funding or fiscal note).

Note: Specific ages/grades, timeframes, screening instruments, mandated training hours, and any dollar amounts or appropriations are not contained in the bill metadata provided. Consult the enacted bill text and fiscal note for precise requirements and funding details.

Who is affected

  • Students in early elementary grades (K–3), especially those with dyslexia or reading‑related learning differences.
  • Parents and guardians (receiving screening results and intervention notices).
  • Public school districts, charter schools, and educators (responsible for administering screenings, interventions, and professional development).
  • Colorado Department of Education (oversight, guidance, data collection).
  • School psychologists, reading specialists, and intervention providers.

Legislative timeline / procedural history

  • Introduced in Senate (Mar 18, 2025), assigned to Education.
  • Passed both chambers with amendments; House concurred with Senate amendments (Apr–May 2025).
  • Sent to Governor (May 13, 2025); Governor signed into law (May 23, 2025).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Expected benefits: earlier identification of students with dyslexia, more consistent use of evidence‑based interventions, better reading outcomes.
  • Administrative impacts: districts may need to adopt screening tools, expand staff training, update Student Literacy Plans, and bolster data systems.
  • Fiscal impact: implementation may require state or local funding for screening tools, professional development, and intervention resources—review the enacted fiscal note for details.

Where to find the full text

For exact statutory language, effective date, and fiscal details, consult the enacted bill text and fiscal note on the Colorado General Assembly or Colorado Department of Education websites.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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