New guidance on dyslexia screening follow-up for families
Federal and state agencies are aligning on clearer timelines for notifying families after a screening flags reading risk. We are tracking what this means for your next steps.
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New York does not yet have a statewide dyslexia screening mandate. Multiple bills are pending, and a state Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force has recommended universal K-5 screening. A new Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia was established in December 2025 to set screening standards.
Below is a plain-language explanation of your state's policies.
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Federal and state agencies are aligning on clearer timelines for notifying families after a screening flags reading risk. We are tracking what this means for your next steps.
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New York is in a different place than states like Arizona, California, or Georgia when it comes to dyslexia screening. There is no statewide mandate requiring schools to screen students for dyslexia — not yet. But there's significant momentum building, and several important things have already happened that directly affect New York families.
If you're a New York parent who's concerned about your child's reading, this page explains where things stand, what's changing, what rights you already have, and where to get help.
New York does not currently require public schools to screen all students for dyslexia. Individual districts may conduct their own reading assessments, and NYC public schools have shifted toward structured literacy instruction through the NYC Reads initiative, but there's no statewide standard for when, how, or with what tools children are screened for reading difficulties.
That said, a series of recent developments has laid the groundwork for change:
The Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force (2023-2024). In December 2023, Governor Hochul signed the Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force Act, creating a 49-member expert panel to examine screening methods, reading support, and educational supports for students with dyslexia. The Task Force held public hearings, reviewed evidence, and issued its final report in December 2024 with 14 recommendations — including that New York require universal screening for all students in grades K-5 at least annually.
The Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia (signed December 2025). Governor Hochul signed legislation (A2687/S5569) establishing a Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia within the State Education Department. With initial funding of $250,000, the Center is directed to set explicit standards for universal screening in K-5, establish evidence-based interventions, create standards for teacher preparation programs, and develop a comprehensive guidebook on dyslexia and dysgraphia. This is a direct result of the Task Force's recommendations.
The Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act (effective January 2025). This law requires private health insurance policies in New York to cover neuropsychological examinations for diagnosing dyslexia — up to $6,000. This is significant because private evaluations for dyslexia can cost thousands of dollars out of pocket, putting them out of reach for many families. The law covers children who meet qualifying criteria, including those with a family history of dyslexia, those who fail literacy screening benchmarks, or those whose pediatrician identifies them as at risk.
Two major bills would establish a statewide dyslexia screening mandate if passed:
Assembly Bill A37 / Senate Bill S6844 — the "New York Individuals with Dyslexia Education Act." This bill would require every school district to screen students in grades K-5 annually for risk factors of dyslexia using a state-approved screener. It would mandate evidence-based reading support for students identified as at risk, require parent notification, and direct the Education Department to develop a parent and teacher handbook with plain-language guidance on IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act — the federal law governing special education) and Section 504 rights. The bill specifically calls for support through Orton-Gillingham (O-G — a structured, sequential, multisensory approach to teaching reading) or other approaches accredited by the International Multisensory Structured Language Education Council (IMSLEC). As of May 2026, A37/S6844 has been referred to the Education committee in both chambers.
Senate Bill S7472 — sponsored by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, this bill would establish mandatory early screening for dyslexia across all school districts, with a focus on early identification, support, and accommodation.
Neither bill has passed yet. The 2025-2026 legislative session is active, and the bills have bipartisan support and strong backing from advocacy organizations. But until a bill passes and is signed, New York's schools are not required to screen for dyslexia.
The lack of a screening mandate doesn't mean you're without options. It means the responsibility for identification falls more heavily on you as a parent — which is frustrating, but it's the current reality.
If your child is in a NYC public school, the NYC Reads initiative has shifted K-2 reading instruction toward structured literacy and phonics-based curricula. Some schools are implementing reading assessments as part of this shift. Ask your child's school whether they conduct any reading screening and, if so, what the results show.
If your child is in a public school outside NYC, whether your school screens for reading difficulties depends on the district. Some districts use reading assessments like DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) or other tools. Ask your child's teacher or the school's reading specialist.
If you're concerned about your child's reading, you don't need to wait for a school to screen. You can request an evaluation directly.
Even without a screening mandate, New York parents have important rights under both federal and state law:
You can request a special education evaluation at any time. Under IDEA, you have the right to request that your school district evaluate your child for a learning disability, including dyslexia. Put your request in writing — a letter or email to the school's Committee on Special Education (CSE) is sufficient. The school must respond. They can agree to evaluate or provide a written explanation of why they don't think an evaluation is necessary. If the school refuses and you disagree, you have the right to pursue due process.
Insurance now covers dyslexia testing. Under the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act (effective January 1, 2025), private health insurance in New York must cover neuropsychological exams for diagnosing dyslexia. Your child qualifies if they have a family history of dyslexia, have failed literacy screening benchmarks (for kindergarten and first grade, two failed benchmarks; for second grade and above, one failed benchmark plus teacher identification of risk), or have been identified as at risk by their pediatrician. Coverage is for up to $6,000 for the evaluation.
You have the right to an IEP or 504 Plan. If your child is evaluated and found to have dyslexia or another learning difference, they may be eligible for an IEP (Individualized Education Program — a legal document outlining specially designed instruction) or a 504 Plan (accommodations like extra time, audiobooks, or assistive technology). New York law explicitly recognizes dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia as conditions that may qualify a student for special education services.
You can request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE). If you disagree with the school's evaluation results, you have the right to request an IEE at public expense. This means an outside evaluator conducts a second evaluation, and the school district pays for it.
Free advocacy support is available. Organizations like Advocates for Children of New York provide free legal and educational advocacy for NYC families. Decoding Dyslexia New York's Dyslexia Advocacy Action Group offers resources for families navigating the system, including support for independent evaluations and IEP advocacy.
New York State Education Department — Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and Dyscalculia NYSED's main resource page for dyslexia, including links to the Task Force report, public hearings information, and guidance on special education evaluations. nysed.gov/special-education/students-disabilities-resulting-dyslexia-dysgraphia-and-dyscalculia
NYSED — Dyslexia and Dysgraphia Task Force Report The full report with 14 recommendations for screening, intervention, teacher training, and parent notification. This is the blueprint for what New York's dyslexia policy is likely to look like once legislation passes. nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/main/nysed-dyslexia-dysgraphia-task-force-report.pdf
Decoding Dyslexia New York A grassroots parent-led advocacy organization that has been central to every piece of New York dyslexia legislation. Their site includes advocacy resources, information about Board of Education campaigns, and a link to the Dyslexia Advocacy Action Group, which provides support for families navigating evaluations and IEPs. decodingdyslexianewyork.org
Advocates for Children of New York Provides free education advocacy for NYC families, including legal guidance, special education support, and a helpful Q&A guide on literacy and dyslexia for NYC parents. advocatesforchildren.org
Everyone Reading (formerly IDA New York) The New York branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Offers professional development, community resources, and information about dyslexia for families and educators. everyonereading.org
LDRFA (Learning Disabilities and Related Fields Association) Provides detailed breakdowns of New York's dyslexia-related legislation, including the Dyslexia Diagnosis Access Act and the Center for Dyslexia and Dysgraphia. ldrfa.org
Last verified: May 29, 2026
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