Senator Portantino, SF Supervisor Safai, Gary Payton II, & Education Advocates Rally in Support of Universal Screening for Risk of Dyslexia
For Immediate Release: March 29, 2022
Contact: Lerna Shirinian, (818) 409-0400
Senator Portantino, SF Supervisor Safai, Gary Payton II, & Education Advocates Rally in Support of Universal Screening for Risk of Dyslexia
San Francisco, California – Today, Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D – La Cañada Flintridge) joined San Francisco County Supervisor Ahsha Safai and Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors for a rally on the steps of San Francisco City Hall to support universal screening for risk of dyslexia. Also joining the rally were representatives from Decoding Dyslexia CA, California State Parent Teacher Association, San Francisco NAACP, Oakland NAACP, San Francisco Board of Education, San Francisco Public Library, and many dyslexia advocates. Senator Portantino highlighted his own struggle with dyslexia during the press conference.
“Early universal screening for risk of dyslexia will improve the lives of countless children, help them thrive in school and succeed throughout their careers,” stated Senator Portantino. “As a state, we must embrace a model of prevention - not a model of failure. Screening outlined in SB 237 will help us achieve this goal. I am excited to work with Supervisor Safai, Gary Payton II of the Golden State Warriors, as well as Decoding Dyslexia CA, to continue to highlight this important issue that is personal to so many of us.”
It is estimated that approximately 10% to 15% of Americans have symptoms of dyslexia, making it the most common form of learning disability. The proportion of people with dyslexia is believed to be much higher amongst incarcerated individuals. A 2000 study of Texas prisoners estimated that about half the prison population was likely dyslexic, while a 2014 study by the Education Department found that a third of surveyed inmates had trouble with simple reading questions. Additionally, research has found that youth with poor reading skills are more likely to experience suicidal ideation and attempts, dropping out of school, substance use and depression. Positive outcomes in academic, social, emotional and economic domains rely on early identification and intervention for risk of dyslexia.
Lori DePole, Co-State Director of Decoding Dyslexia CA stated: “California has some of the lowest reading outcomes in the nation. Early identification of students at risk for dyslexia through required K-2 universal screening is a critical first step in addressing the reading crisis. The majority of states already require screening. California is lagging the nation on addressing early identification.”
“Families across California deserve universal screening for dyslexia at their schools. It’s affected our family personally and it wasn’t until the third grade that we were able to get the screening,” said Supervisor Ahsha Safaí. “The earlier dyslexia is discovered, the better outcomes we will get for students and families. Senator Portantino’s legislation will ensure that every Californian, regardless of neighborhood or income, will have equitable access to dyslexia screening.”
As mentioned, SB 237 is personal for Senator Portantino, as he struggled with dyslexia, ADHD, and cross dominance during his own time in school and continues to face these challenges every day. The Senator authored the bill in 2021, which would require the State Board of Education to approve universal screening instruments to be used annually by schools in order to identify K-2 students who are at risk for dyslexia. SB 237 is currently being held up in the Assembly Education Committee.
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