Benton’s bill to help children with dyslexia signed into law

May 20, 2009

OLYMPIA…A bill by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, that would expand access to specialized training for teachers to help children with dyslexia was signed into law on Monday. 

In bringing this bill forward, Benton worked with Cheryl Anthony, M.S. Ed, a constituent and president-elect of the Oregon Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, which also serves Southwest Washington. 

“Cheryl is extremely knowledgeable about how dyslexia affects children and their ability to learn,” Benton said. “Her insight was very helpful to me in understanding the need for greater access to the tools teachers need.”    

The measure, Substitute Senate Bill 6016, will move a grant program for elementary schools to develop intervention and teacher training programs out to the state’s nine regional Educational Service Districts. 

“ESDs have proven to be an effective and economical way to get programs out to students and teachers,” Benton said. “My bill puts this critical training within reach of Clark County teachers through the Vancouver ESD and to teachers across the state through their local ESDs. 

“With one in five children affected by dyslexia, it is very important that our teachers can access this training. Too many of our children are labeled learning-disabled when they are dyslexic.”  

The grant program was created as a pilot project by the Legislature in 2005 and administered by the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction in Olympia. The program has proven to be very successful in identifying and helping students with dyslexia. 

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Additional Contact: Penny Drost (360) 786-7522 or drost.penny@leg.wa.gov