Senator Wilcoxson Announces Public Hearing on Dyslexia

Parents, educators, administrators and other concerned citizens are invited to attend a public hearing on dyslexia at the State Capitol on Wednesday, January 21. Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson, who organized the event, said she will unveil legislation to identify and provide instructional intervention for dyslexic students.

“It is estimated that one-fifth of all Americans are dyslexic. Dyslexics make up 80 percent of all students in special education classes. The earlier these students are identified, the better our chances are of helping them overcome this disability. Unfortunately, we are not identifying these students early enough,” explained Senator Wilcoxson, R-OKC.

Studies indicate that 74 percent of children with reading disabilities who are not identified until the third grade continue to have reading disabilities in the ninth grade, even though they may be in special education classes.

“Clearly, a lot of these children are falling through the cracks. In order for them to reach their full potential, they must learn how to read, write and spell proficiently. We know there are education methods that can help them do this. The goal of my legislation is to help us do a better job of finding those children and give them the tools they need to succeed,” said Wilcoxson.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2004, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of the State Capitol.

, Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson at 405-521-5618, or e-mail purinton@lsb.state.ok.us. For more information Senate Communications Division - (405) 521-5774