(The Center Square) – Dyslexia screenings are now required in Colorado for kindergarteners through third-graders, starting with the 2026-27 school year.
Under a new state law, school districts must develop their own screening process or adopt a universal dyslexia screener meeting certain criteria.
“Either way, the screener must accurately and reliably identify students at risk of reading difficulties,” according to Senate Bill 25-200, which is titled “Dyslexia Screening and READ Act Requirements.”
Gov. Jared Polis signed the bipartisan bill and other education legislation at Stevens Elementary School in Wheat Ridge, a city immediately west of Denver.
SB 25-20 was passed by the Colorado General Assembly, the state’s legislature, on May 13.
Some school districts already have a screening process for dyslexia.
“Early identification and targeted intervention for students showing signs of dyslexia are vital to ensure academic success and prevent the long-term consequences of poor reading skills,” according to SB 25-200. “Dyslexia, which affects approximately one in five individuals, according to data from the Yale center for dyslexia and creativity, is among the most common learning disabilities.”
In addition to requiring screenings, SB 25-200 allows teachers to conclude whether an early elementary school student has a serious reading deficiency and can benefit from a specialized approach to instruction. That approach is called the “READ” plan, and SB 25-200 said it will include “scientifically or evidence-based intervention instruction.”
“Many children pass overall literacy tests, yet harbor hidden reading struggles that compound over time,” SB 25-200 said. The legislation noted there are gaps in identifying students who need help in areas such as spelling, despite improvements in early literacy assessment under the Colorado READ Act, passed in 2012. “READ” stands for “Reading to Ensure Academic Development.”
SB 25-200 was sponsored by state Sens. Chris Kolker, D-Araphoe County; Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and state Reps. Eliza Hamrick, D-Araphoe and Douglas counties, and Matt Soper, R-Mesa and Delta counties.
