Early literacy and Characteristics of Dyslexia Risk

In April 2025, the Governor of Georgia signed House Bill 307 into law. This bill clarifies requirements for identifying and supporting students with characteristics of dyslexia. Beginning in the 2025-26 school year, Georgia schools will screen all students in grades K-3 for characteristics of dyslexia. The screening IS NOT intended or designed to diagnose dyslexia. We want to make sure you are fully informed about what this means for your child.

What is Georgia’s Early Literacy Legislation?

The new legislation is designed to ensure that all students in Georgia develop strong reading skills from an early age. Research shows that children who become proficient readers early in their education are more successful in school and beyond. This law focuses on ensuring that all school districts in the state of Georgia have a district-wide process to identify students who need targeted reading supports or who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia. The law also aims to ensure schools use high-quality materials and evidence-based instruction to support these students and their teachers.

The primary goal of this legislation is to ensure that all children in Georgia become strong readers by the end of third grade. Reading is a foundational skill that impacts nearly every aspect of learning. By focusing on early literacy, the state aims to address reading challenges before they become more difficult to overcome, setting our students up for future academic success.

What is the process for identifying and helping students in Henry County Schools?

Reading Instruction: Our school will use instructional materials aligned with the science of reading that teach students foundational literacy skills and grade-appropriate English Language Arts and reading standards, as approved by the State Board of Education.

Professional Learning: Our teachers will continue to receive training on effective reading instruction aligned to the science of reading to ensure they can provide the best instruction and support to your child.

Screening: Henry County Schools will conduct universal screeners via AMIRA for kindergarten through third-grade students three times a year. The screeners provide the data needed to identify students who need extra support.

Intervention Support: If a student needs additional support in reading, we will provide targeted interventions to help them improve their reading skills.

Parent Involvement: We will keep you informed about your child’s progress and any additional support they are receiving. We believe that working together will give your child the best chance to succeed. Please contact your school if you prefer your child not to participate in this process.

Your K-3 Rights Under This Law:

• The Right to Screening: Your child must be screened three times per year (at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year) using a universal reading screener to identify early literacy or characteristics of dyslexia risks. 

• The Right to Notification: If the screening shows your child is at risk, the school must notify you in writing within 15 school days; you will receive a copy of the screener results.

• The Right to a Support Plan: If your child is identified as at-risk, they must receive a reading support plan within 30 days; you will receive a copy of the plan

• The Right to Evidence-Based Instruction: The law mandates that schools use a curriculum based on the science of reading (a phonics-based approach). It specifically bans the "three-cueing" method, which encourages students to guess words based on pictures or context.

We are committed to making sure every child receives the support they need to be successful. If you have questions about how this process may impact your student, please contact your student’s school.

For more information, refer to the Georgia Department of Education (GaDOE)'s guidance for families.