Texas law authored by Woodlands lawmaker helps students, parents dealing with dyslexia

Conroe activist Nicole May remembers celebrating after the passing of House Bill 3928, a comprehensive law that provides additional support for parents and students with dyslexia. 

May, a member of the Texas Dyslexia Coalition, said it was a packed house at Dosey Doe Breakfast, BBQ and Whiskey Bar in The Woodlands. Children took turns getting on stage, talking about their experience traveling to Austin, knocking on legislators’ doors and talking to staff. 

On YourCourierNews.com: Early voting is open in The Woodlands. How to vote on township board, $1.9B Conroe ISD bond

“They stood up for themselves,” May said. “That chokes me up a little bit (to think) our kids not only stood up for themselves, but they stood up for other kids too. I believe that made a lasting impression on (them).” 

The purpose of the special populations bill is to provide local educational agencies with a high-level overview of important updates regarding dyslexia, according to the Texas Education Agency’s website. The bill was signed into law on June 10 after being introduced during the 2021 Texas Legislature, and failing to pass the Senate. 

“We have a beautiful video that was made of the two session journey,” she said. “When I’m old, in my rocking chair on my front porch, this is a moment that I will certainly remember.”

The bill went into affect during the 2023-24 school year. Here’s what to know: 

What does the bill do for children with dyslexia?

Prior to the passing of HB 3928, students with dyslexia were only receiving accommodations under Section 504, May said.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability, according to the TEA’s 2018 dyslexia handbook.

In school districts and charter schools, this means that educators cannot serve students with dyslexia and related disorders differently than other students due to having dyslexia or a related disorder, the handbook states.

On YourCourierNews.com: Magnolia ISD to make elementary school boundary changes after nearly 20 years as new campus opens

It also means that educators must provide reasonable accommodations to students with dyslexia and related disorders to access instruction and school activities, which includes a free and appropriate public education.

HB 3880, also known as the Beckley Wilson Act, was introduced during the state’s 87th legislative session. It aimed to change change the options parents have when a diagnosis of dyslexia is suspected — through the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, a federal law.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is a program that provides funding to school districts and charter schools to ensure that students with disabilities receive special education and related services in the least restrictive environment, the handbook states. The program outlines a prescribed process for evaluation, writing plans, and ensuring parental participation.

HB 3880 passed through the Texas House, but died in the Senate, May said. 

A similar bill was introduced during the state’s 88th legislative session and was signed into law on June 10. 

“What this bill does is it clearly defines dyslexia under the IDEA,” May said. “It also puts a highly qualified dyslexia therapist at the table.” 

May said consent forms are also given to parents to inform them about their rights under the program.

A passion to overcome hardships and helping others

Rep. Steve Toth, R-The Woodlands, who co-authored HB 3880, was the lead author for HB 3928. During the 87th state Legislature, Toth said he was moved when watching students across the state tell their stories about dealing with dyslexia. 

“In respect, (it) put me to shame,” Toth said. “Because I could never talk about my learning disability and struggle with reading. I grew up in the 70s. And they really didn’t know what dyslexia was in those days.”

Toth said he struggled with reading when he was in school and often capitalizes every letter when he writes. 

With the passing of HB 3928, he said it’s “coming full circle.” 

“I think God puts hardships, not so that you dwell on them, not so that you become victimized by it, but so that you develop a passion to overcome it and help other people over come it,” Toth said. 

The work isn’t done yet, he said. 

“We’ve got to go back next session and we have to provide two things,” Toth said. “We need more money for public education, for them to hire a good dyslexia interventionist. And frankly, Texas needs to work harder at developing programs to take and train teachers on how to help these kids.”