Board committee approves dyslexia‑screener pilot rule; two schools to receive full support

The Utah State Board of Education’s Standards & Assessment Committee voted to approve a new rule establishing a dyslexia‑screening pilot required by the Legislature (HB 393). The rule directs USBE staff to develop a Utah‑specific screener (in partnership with the University of Utah), run an application process for participating schools, and use available appropriations to procure interventions and support for two selected schools (one urban, one rural) that will participate at no cost.

Julie Clark (K‑12 English language arts coordinator) described the pilot: the screener is intended to be more in‑depth than existing benchmark assessments and to identify students who demonstrate characteristics of dyslexia so schools can provide targeted interventions. Deputy Superintendent Leah Voorhees explained that not all students who demonstrate dyslexic characteristics meet special‑education eligibility but still may need systematic intervention; the pilot aims to create a replicable, Utah‑specific screening and intervention approach and to collect evidence about effectiveness.

Board members raised questions about sample size, whether the pilot will yield enough generalizable data, cost obligations for LEAs that choose to participate outside the two fully funded schools, assessment approval processes, and readiness and capacity expectations. Staff said the University of Utah will develop the screener and support research and evaluation; two schools chosen through an RFP process will receive procurement‑funded interventions, while other approved applicants may participate using their LEA funds. The committee approved the rule on first reading and forwarded it to the board for final approval.