President Obama Signs READ Act Providing Millions in Dyslexia Research


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February 2016

by Denise Douce

Rick Smith Headshot

Rick Smith, IDA Chief Executive Officer

The International Dyslexia Association (IDA) congratulates all the students, families, teachers, legislators, and so many others who have worked tirelessly to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn to read. Our efforts have led to another victory—passage of the Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act (the READ Act), which will provide millions of dollars for dyslexia research on early identification of children and students with dyslexia, training in effective instruction for teachers, and development of evidence-based instruction for children with dyslexia. Click here to learn more about the law.

“We are proud to work side by side with these groups and will continue to do this work until everyone can read,” says Rick Smith, IDA’s Chief Executive Officer. “We live in a time and country where 35% of fourth graders are reading at a level that is below basic…and there’s absolutely no excuse.”

Hal Malchow

Hal Malchow, IDA Board Chairman

“Identifying individuals with dyslexia and other reading difficulties and providing them with effective reading instruction from teachers trained in Structured Literacy works,” adds IDA Chairman, Hal Malchow. “That’s why it has been a cornerstone of IDA since its beginning.”

To learn more, watch Cheryl Jennings of ABC7 in the San Fricisco Bay Area’s segment “Beyond the Headlines”  aired on Sunday, 2/21, at 4:30 p.m. (PST)  The show features Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom; Dr. Sally Shaywitz; Dr. Fumiko Hoeft, IDA Board Member; and Tobie Meyer, Principal Leader of Decoding Dyslexia CA.  Click here to watch the segment. Click here to watch the interview with Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom.


Denise Douce, Director of Publications and Communications


Copyright © 2016 International Dyslexia Association (IDA). We encourage sharing of Examiner articles. If portions are cited, please make appropriate reference. Articles may not be reprinted for the purpose of resale. Permission to republish this article is available from info@interdys.org


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