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Mr. Schmerelson - October 2026 as Dyslexia Awareness Month (Res-008-26/27) (For Action October 6, 2026)
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Whereas, Dyslexia is a difficulty in identifying the individual sounds of spoken language, which then affects the ability of an individual to speak, read, spell, and often learn a language;
Whereas, As high as 80-90% of individuals with a learning disability are affected by dyslexia;
Whereas, Dyslexia contributes to challenges in reading fluency and decoding, while also having strengths in higher-level cognitive functions, such as critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving;
Whereas, Scientific advancement in understanding dyslexia has improved knowledge of the neurological and epidemiological basis;
Whereas, Early diagnosis of dyslexia is critical to ensure individuals with dyslexia receive focused, evidence-based intervention, allowing the promotion of self-awareness and self-empowerment and the provision of necessary accommodations to ensure school and life success;
Whereas, In July 2023, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law SB 114, wherein Chapter 15.5 mandates that all California students be screened for dyslexia and that early intervention methods be applied for any student who may be diagnosed with dyslexia;
Whereas, The California State Parent Teacher Association (PTA) adopted a resolution at its 2016 annual convention that recognizes dyslexia has significant educational implications that need to be better addressed by public schools and school districts;
Whereas, After extensive feedback from board members, administrators, teachers, parents, and community-based organizations, the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District approved and adopted Tab 1 - Adoption of Reading Difficulties Risk Screening Instrument for implementation starting the 2025-26 school year; and
Whereas, The Board, passed the resolution Recognizing and Addressing the Educational Implications of Dyslexia in LAUSD Schools (Res-101-16/17), which addresses plans to be developed that will 1) ensure policies, procedures, and practices are aligned to the provisions of state legislation AB1369 and 2) provide teacher and staff training necessary to improve the understanding of dyslexia and its warning signs, appropriate evidence-based structured literacy instruction, and appropriate classroom accommodations and modifications; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Unified School District will designate and acknowledge Dyslexia Awareness Month during October 2026, Dyslexia Awareness Week from October 6-12th, and World Dyslexia Awareness Day on October 8; and, be it finally
Resolved, That each school site with a Parent Center will dedicate the month of October to educating parents about the signs, stigma, and procedures of dyslexia, as well as what the Los Angeles Unified School District is doing to assist diagnosed individuals, including informing parents about SB 114, mandatory dyslexia screenings, how students are tested, and resources if students are found to have dyslexia.