Bill to Support and Identify Elementary Students with Dyslexia Signed Into Law

SB25-200 will require universal dyslexia screening for early elementary students in Colorado WESTMINSTER, CO – The Governor today signed into law bipartisan legislation to jumpstart early identification, support, and clear communication with parents or guardians for elementary school students with dyslexia 

SB25-200 is sponsored by Senators Chris Kolker, D-Centennial, and Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representatives Eliza Hamrick, D-Centennial, and Matt Soper, R-Delta. This new law will require schools to either adopt a universal dyslexia screening tool or develop a process to identify students in early elementary grades who exhibit characteristics of dyslexia, adding to existing reading interventions in the Colorado READ Act.

“Supporting students with dyslexia requires a different approach than supporting those with general reading challenges – they need specific tools to succeed,” said Kolker. “The vast majority of other states already require universal dyslexia screenings, and with this law, Colorado is stepping up. Early intervention is everything, and every child deserves the opportunity to succeed with the right information and support.”

“Dyslexia is the most commonly diagnosed learning disability, yet Colorado schools do not have a universal screening process,” said Hamrick. “As a former teacher, I know early intervention is key to setting our students on a pathway to success. Our new, bipartisan law will require Colorado schools to implement a universal dyslexia screening to ensure our elementary students receive the support, resources and tools they need to thrive.”

“My ‘why’ for this bill is my amazing daughter, who has dyslexia,” said Mullica. “Even as a family actively involved in her education, we struggled to get her the support she needed to thrive. The screenings schools currently use for reading challenges don’t go far enough, and one-size-fits-all interventions simply don’t work. By implementing universal, early dyslexia screenings through this law, we can ensure that no child – regardless of their background or circumstance – falls through the cracks.” 

According to the Colorado Department of Education, dyslexia affects about 15 to 20 percent of the population, making it the most commonly diagnosed learning disability. Early intervention for dyslexia significantly improves educational outcomes. Before this law, Colorado was one of only seven states that did not mandate screenings for dyslexia.