What's happening
This bill requires reading proficiency assessments and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals without a high school diploma, with evidence-based interventions provided as needed.
Why it matters
Addresses a key barrier to rehabilitation. By identifying and supporting incarcerated individuals with reading challenges and dyslexia, the bill aims to tackle one of the underlying educational deficits that can contribute to recidivism and hinder post-release success.
Institutionalizes science-based interventions. The legislation mandates that interventions for dyslexia be evidence-based and aligned with current scientific research, helping ensure that educational programs in correctional facilities are both effective and up to date.
Holds correctional educators to higher standards. Teachers in correctional settings would be required to demonstrate knowledge of best practices in reading instruction, potentially raising the overall quality of education provided inside prisons.
Expands access and choice in education. The bill allows incarcerated individuals to voluntarily seek reading assessments and interventions, giving them agency in their educational development and potentially improving motivation and participation in these programs.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Test Inmates for Dyslexia
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
History
- Referred to crime victims, crime and correction
- Referred to rules
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Screen Prisoners for Dyslexia
In Senate Committee · Rules · Sponsor Jo Anne Simon
Full text
2 pagesUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
6787
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
October 21, 2019
Introduced by Sen. MYRIE -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Rules
AN ACT to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section 137-a to read as follows:
§ 137-a. Reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening. 1. As part of the intake process, an incarcerated individual who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent shall receive a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening. If an incarcerated individual demonstrates that he or she is below the proficiency level required to be a high-functioning reader, such individual shall be provided with dyslexia intervention that is evidence-based, effective, and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.
2. The commissioner, in consultation with the commissioner of education, shall promulgate rules and regulations that require, but are not limited to the following:
(a) Teachers at all correctional facilities shall have and demonstrate awareness of the best practices of scientific reading instruction;
(b) Each inmate who does not have a high school diploma or its equivalent shall receive a reading proficiency level assessment and a dyslexia screening; and
(c) A process be established in which incarcerated individuals, upon intake, are assessed and administered a dyslexia screening, and provided with dyslexia intervention that is evidence-based, effective, and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD11644-03-9
S. 6787 2
3. Each superintendent shall submit a plan to the department that allows incarcerated individuals to voluntarily receive a reading proficiency level assessment, dyslexia screening, and reading instruction that is evidence-based, effective, and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to addressing dyslexia.
§ 2. This act shall take effect on the ninetieth day after it shall have become a law. Effective immediately the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to be made and completed on or before such date.
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening for incar- cerated individuals
Purpose
to amend the correction law, in relation to a reading proficiency level assessment and dyslexia screening for incarcerated individuals.
Summary of provisions
Section 1. The correction law is amended by adding a new section § 137-a.
Justification
The prevalence of dyslexia in the general population is about 20%; the prevalence of dyslexia among the incarcerated population is more than twice that, or 48% according to a scientific study by the University of Texas Medical Branch in conjunction with the Texas Department of Crimi- nal Justice (2000). Given that illiteracy is a risk factor for criminal behavior, and that dyslexia is one of the most common causes of reading illiteracy, screening our state's incarcerated population and conducting risk-and-needs assessment for every offender will identify this learning disability. Initiating interventions that are evidence-based, effective, and consistent with science-based research specifically tailored to address dyslexia will help prepare these individuals while incarcerated for a more productive life upon release.
Legislative history
None
Fiscal implications
to be determined
Effective date
the act shall take effect on the nineteenth day after it shall have become a law
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.