Help for Dyslexic Children

Approved: 2009

Reaffirmed: 2014; 2021

Whereas, approximately 5.7 million students in the United States receive special education services under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) Part B and a similar program through New Jersey; and

Whereas, IDEA requires states to provide a free, appropriate public education to children with special needs so that they can be educated to the greatest extent possible, along with all other children; and

Whereas, research has shown that students with special needs are twice as likely to be involved in the school disciplinary process: and

Whereas, IDEA requires children with disabilities to have an individual education program (IEP) to set reasonable learning goals and include the specific services that the district will provide; and

Whereas, Parents have the right to be involved in the development of their child’s IEP; and

Whereas, The Department of Education shall have a resource person to provide training, information, and support to the parents of special needs children; therefore be it

Resolved, that New Jersey PTA supports the early identification of dyslexia in children; and be it further

Resolved, that New Jersey PTA support the recommendations of the NJ Reading Disabilities Taskforce report providing for early screening of dyslexia, more training, and better identification; and be it further

Resolved, that New Jersey PTA support the New Jersey Assembly Bills, A-3605 early screening, and A-3608 dyslexia identification; and be it further

Resolved, that New Jersey PTA support the creation of the Office of Special Education Ombudsman in the Department of Education: (Assembly Bill A-3969 and Senate Bill S-2645).