WHAT'S HAPPENING
ALL NYC PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS TO BE SCREENED FOR DYSLEXIA AS PART OF PILOT PROGRAM
New York City announced the largest, most comprehensive approach to supporting public school students with dyslexia in the United States.
For the first time, all New York City public school students will be assessed for being at risk of dyslexia, be supported in their neighborhood school, and receive specialized instruction through the development of special programs and academies. announced the initiative at a school in Harlem where the pilot program will debut.
“As a student, I struggled with identifying my dyslexia until long after leaving the public school system. Today, we are announcing the most comprehensive approach to supporting dyslexic students in New York City to prevent students from experiencing that disadvantage,” said Mayor Adams. “By changing the way we approach dyslexia, we can unlock the untapped potential in students who may feel insecure about their dyslexia or any other language-based learning disabilities they may have.”
Dyslexia affects the ability to read, write and process letters, words and numbers in a way and speed that others take for granted. Children who are diagnosed with dyslexia are usually given the broader tag of "learning disabled" on their Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs).
"Early screening ensures that every child who needs support will get the help and resources they need," Chancellor Banks said. "These screeners are emblematic of this administration's commitment to uplifting all of our students and making sure they are well equipped to succeed."
"Every student deserves the resources and support needed to thrive in our schools," added Sheena Wright, Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives. "Today's announcement on Dyslexia Awareness Day brings us one step closer to living up to that promise. From universal screenings to first-of-its-kind pilots, New York City is leading the way in building a more equitable school system and committing to a comprehensive investment in dyslexic students."
WORDS TO LIVE BY: The intervention program will extend its pilot launch in the fall at 80 elementary and 80 middle schools. By the fall of 2023, the city said, its goal is to have at least one school in every borough offering a specialized program for dyslexic students.
Beginning in fall 2022, the DOE will pilot two first-of-their-kind programs within New York City public schools, where 80 elementary schools and 80 middle schools across the city will receive targeted support and training to screen and identify students at risk for dyslexia and provide targeted interventions. Every student will participate in short, adaptive literacy screeners as part of the pilot at these schools.
All schools will be supported by district-based Academic Intervention Support coordinators on how to adjust core instruction and provide intervention when screeners, and other evidence of student work, indicate that students are not making adequate progress.
By offering accessible screening across the city, Mayor Adams and Chancellor Banks are breaking down a major barrier that has faced working families for many years. For the first time, every child from every zip code will have this important opportunity afforded to them, free of charge. Identifying student needs at an early age while breaking down cost barriers is a win for students, working families, and school communities across the city.
In addition, Literacy Academy Collective in P.S. 161 in the Bronx and Lab School for Family Literacy in P.S. 125 in Manhattan will both offer specialized programs for students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disabilities. The DOE will immediately move to build programs at additional schools with the goal of having at least one school offering specialized instruction in each borough by fall 2023.