Support the Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia

Legislation signed in 2025 established a statewide Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within NYSED. This Center will create NY’s first statewide standards for screening, interventions, and teacher training to support the up to 1 in 5 children with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia. However, funding for the Center was not attached to the bill.

We ask for $2.1 million to help establish the Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, which will support the up to 1 in 5 children with dyslexia and/or dysgraphia.

This Center, as required by law, will begin to implement the recommendations of the NYS Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force. Many of the recommendations need funding for implementation. You can read the report here and the 14 recommendations below: https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/main/nysed-dyslexia-dysgraphia-task-force-report.pdf

(1) NYSED should adopt updated definitions of dyslexia and dysgraphia, (2) The Governor/Legislature should fund a position for this work, (3) NYSED/Regents should create a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, (4) NYSED should collect data and publicize best practices for serving students with dyslexia & dysgraphia, (5) The Regents should set explicit standards for teacher prep programs and certifications, (6) The Regents should amend regs to require Local Education Agencies (LEA) implement universal screening of all K-5 students at least annually and (7) require LEAs to screen at risk students, (8) NYSED should develop detailed guidelines for selection of screeners, (9) The Regents should amend regs to require LEAs to notify/meet with parents if a student is identified, (10) NYSED/Regents should collaborate with other state agencies, (11) NYSED should develop tools and briefs on dyslexia and dysgraphia, (12) NYSED should work with the MTSS-I initiative to develop a framework for serving students with diagnosed or suspected dyslexia and/or dysgraphia, (13) NYSED should create a comprehensive guidebook on dyslexia and dysgraphia for pre-service and in-service professional development providers, LEA leaders, school administrators, educators, and specialists, and (14) The Governor/Legislature should allocate funds to support LEA implementation of screening and services related to dyslexia and dysgraphia.

NYSED, and most importantly our students with dyslexia and dysgraphia, now needs your support to fund this work detailed in these critically important recommendations. Dyslexia is the most prevalent learning disability, affecting 1 in 5 students, approximately 20% of the population, and accounting for 80% of learning disability classifications.

NYS PTA Ask: We seek $2.1 million in this State Budget to help establish the Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia, and future funding to support implementation at the state and local levels.