SCH CD-DYSLEXIA SCREENING
HB2918 amends the Illinois School Code to establish statewide dyslexia screening and support requirements for public schools. It directs the State Board of Education to maintain dyslexia guidance, including a handbook for teachers, parents, and pupils, and to adopt rules for screening and intervention. The bill also requires the Board to provide technical assistance to school districts on specific learning disabilities, including the use of universal screeners and Level I dyslexia screenings.
Beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, each school district must screen students in kindergarten through second grade for dyslexia risk factors using a universal screener. If a student is identified as at risk or somewhat at risk, the district must conduct a Level I dyslexia screening to gather additional information about whether the student has characteristics of dyslexia. When screening indicates risk or characteristics of dyslexia, schools must use a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework and, where needed, provide dyslexia intervention services. The bill also requires parent or guardian notification, informational materials, and the option to request an educational evaluation.
The bill would create new reporting duties for school districts, requiring annual submission of data on screening, risk identification, intervention services, and students identified with dyslexia characteristics. The State Board must publish the reported information on its website. The measure applies to both downstate school districts and Chicago school districts through new sections added to the School Code, and it is noted as potentially creating a state mandate that may require reimbursement under the State Mandates Act.
Overall, the bill appears aimed at early identification and intervention for dyslexia, with a strong emphasis on standardized screening, parent notification, and district accountability. Because no committee transcripts or votes are provided, there is no recorded debate or voting history to indicate formal support or opposition. The bill text itself suggests a policy focus on improving reading outcomes and ensuring consistent statewide practices rather than a contested partisan issue.
A notable point of potential contention is the administrative and financial burden on school districts, since the bill requires universal screening, follow-up assessments, intervention services, and annual reporting. The State Mandates Act notice signals that districts may seek reimbursement or raise concerns about implementation costs, staffing, training, and compliance timelines. Another possible issue is the bill’s reliance on district-selected screeners and screening processes, which may prompt questions about consistency, adequacy, and local flexibility.
HB2918 would add new dyslexia screening and intervention requirements to the Illinois School Code for public school districts, including Chicago. It would require universal screening for K-2 students, follow-up Level I screenings, MTSS-based supports, parent notifications, annual reporting to the State Board of Education, and publication of district-level data. It also expands the State Board’s duties by requiring a dyslexia handbook, rulemaking, and technical assistance for districts, and it may trigger State Mandates Act reimbursement considerations.
Based on the bill text alone, the measure appears generally supportive of early literacy intervention and student identification, with an emphasis on helping children with dyslexia sooner and more consistently. No committee transcripts or votes are available, so there is no documented legislative debate or recorded sentiment from hearings. The available context suggests a policy-oriented, education-focused proposal rather than one with visible partisan division in the record provided.
The main likely point of contention is implementation cost and administrative workload for school districts, especially because the bill mandates screening, additional assessments, intervention services, parent communications, and annual reporting. The State Mandates Act language indicates that reimbursement issues may arise. Districts may also have concerns about training, screener selection, and how to operationalize MTSS and intervention requirements consistently across schools. No specific opposition or support is documented in the provided transcripts or votes.