New law elevating dyslexia training takes effect July 1

OKLAHOMA CITY – A new law authored by Sen. Carri Hicks to better support children with dyslexia will go into effect on July 1, following unanimous approval during the 2025 legislative session. Speaker Pro Tem Anthony Moore served as the House principal author of the measure.

Hicks, a professional educator, said the law creates micro-credentials for teachers who complete training through the Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) program or the Center for Effective Reading Instruction (CERI). These credentials will recognize educators who are equipped to meet the needs of struggling readers and help identify characteristics consistent with dyslexia.

“Obtaining a full medical diagnosis of dyslexia can cost families hundreds of dollars and is often required before students can access the specialized instruction they need,” said Hicks, D-Oklahoma City. “In many Oklahoma school districts, that burden falls solely on parents. Senate Bill 840 helps remove that barrier by equipping educators with the tools and training necessary to identify the characteristics of dyslexia in public school settings. I’m deeply grateful to Speaker Pro Tem Moore and our colleagues for their unanimous support.”

The Commission for Educational Quality and Accountability will now develop rules outlining the process for awarding micro-credentials to teachers who complete CALT or CERI training.

"Properly identifying dyslexia can be life-changing for students – it opens the door to targeted instruction and academic success,” said Moore, R-Clinton. “I was proud to author this legislation and look forward to seeing it benefit students and families across Oklahoma as early as the upcoming school year.”

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For more information, contact:  Sen. Carri Hicks at 405-521-5543 or Carri.Hicks@oksenate.gov