A resolution calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed, and designating October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month".
- Bill Number
- S.Res. 471
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Education
- Status
- Passed Senate
- Latest Action
- 2025-10-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7787-7788; text: CR S7787)
- Last Updated
- 2025-12-01T18:18:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This Senate resolution aims to increase public and institutional awareness of dyslexia, a common learning disability, by highlighting its educational challenges and the importance of early intervention. It designates October 2025 as "National Dyslexia Awareness Month" to encourage recognition and action from Congress, schools, and state and local educational agencies.
Key Provisions
- Definition and Characteristics of Dyslexia: Dyslexia is described as an unexpected reading difficulty in individuals with normal intelligence, primarily due to challenges in phonological processing (understanding individual sounds in spoken language), which impacts reading, spelling, speaking, and often learning second languages. It is noted as a paradox, involving weaknesses in word recognition alongside strengths in higher-level thinking like reasoning and problem-solving.
- Prevalence and Impact: Dyslexia affects 80-90% of people with learning disabilities and up to 1 in 5 individuals overall. It is persistent, with achievement gaps appearing as early as first grade.
- Scientific and Legal Context: References progress in understanding dyslexia's neurological and cognitive bases. Cites the First Step Act of 2018, which introduced the first federal statutory definition of dyslexia (in 18 U.S.C. § 3635) for screening inmates in federal prisons.
- Call to Action: Urges Congress, schools, and state/local educational agencies to address dyslexia's educational implications. Emphasizes early screening, diagnosis, and evidence-based interventions to promote fluent reading, self-awareness, accommodations, and long-term success.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This is a non-binding resolution and does not amend or create new laws. It builds on the existing federal definition of dyslexia from the First Step Act of 2018 but introduces no statutory changes.
Potential Impacts
- On Citizens: May encourage greater awareness among parents, students, and educators, leading to earlier identification and support for individuals with dyslexia, potentially improving educational outcomes and reducing achievement gaps.
- On Government Agencies and Education: Prompts schools and state/local agencies to prioritize dyslexia screening and interventions, though implementation would depend on voluntary adoption. No direct funding or mandates are imposed.
- On International Relations: No impacts, as the resolution is domestic and focused on U.S. education.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Students and Families: Particularly those with dyslexia, who could benefit from increased awareness and access to interventions.
- Educators and Schools: Teachers, school administrators, and state/local educational agencies, called upon to recognize and address dyslexia's implications.
- Congress and Policymakers: Encouraged to support related educational policies.
- Incarcerated Individuals: Indirectly referenced via the First Step Act, but the focus is broader on education.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: As a simple resolution agreed to by the Senate, it has no force of law and is symbolic, serving to educate rather than enforce. It reinforces the federal definition of dyslexia without expanding it.
- Constitutional: No direct implications, as it aligns with Congress's role in raising awareness on public health and education issues under its general legislative powers.
- Political: Bipartisan sponsorship (from senators across party lines) highlights broad consensus on dyslexia awareness, potentially influencing future education funding or policies without partisan division.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (5)
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO], Sen. Capito, Shelley Moore [R-WV], Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME], Sen. Warren, Elizabeth [D-MA], Sen. Boozman, John [R-AR]
Recent Actions
- 2025-10-28: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S7787-7788; text: CR S7787)
- 2025-10-28: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Submitted in the Senate, considered, and agreed to without amendment and with a preamble by Unanimous Consent.
- 2025-10-28: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Calling on Congress, schools, and State and local educational agencies to recognize the significant educational implications of dyslexia that must be addressed, and designating October 2025 as National Dyslexia Awareness Month. — issued 2025-10-28 — PDF (3 pages)