Meeting Public Comments

Mindy VanZuiden [Grand View University, Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, Tutorburg, Parent]

Dear Members of the Subcommittee,I am writing to express my strong support for SF 286, a bill that seeks to establish a scholarship fund for educators pursuing the Advanced Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement. As a parent, professional, and advocate, I have seen firsthand the critical need for this training and the transformational impact it can have on educators and students alike.When my child was diagnosed with dyslexia, I was confronted with the harsh reality of a serious shortage of trained professionals in our state. Determined to ensure my child received the support he needed, I returned to school to gain the necessary skills and knowledge to address not only his needs but also the needs of other struggling readers in Iowa. This journey led me to open a tutoring center, where I provided evidencebased literacy instruction to support students who were falling through the cracks. Over time, I expanded my reach, becoming an adjunct professor at Grand View University, serving with Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, and traveling across the state to provide professional development to teachers about dyslexia and the science of reading.Despite these efforts, it is clear that private tutoring alone cannot solve the literacy crisis in Iowa. Our 2024 report card highlights a staggering statistic: 77% of lowincome 4th graders in Iowa are not reading proficiently. This is a systemic issue that requires systemic solutions. Every student, regardless of income or zip code, deserves access to effective literacy instruction. The Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement equips educators with the tools and strategies needed to make this a reality.Unfortunately, the cost of obtaining this 18credithour endorsement can be a significant barrier for many educators. SF 286 addresses this challenge by providing scholarships that make this vital training accessible. Importantly, the structure of this program ensures that taxpayer funds are spent responsibly by requiring educators to remain in Iowa and serve our schools and AEAs after completing the endorsement. This investment in our teachers is an investment in Iowas future.I have witnessed the lifechanging impact that this training can have on educators and their students. The educators who have completed the Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement describe it as transformative, providing them with evidencebased tools that lead to measurable improvements in student outcomes. By passing SF 286, you will remove the financial barriers preventing many educators from accessing this training and help create a brighter future for Iowa students.I urge you to support SF 286 and take this critical step toward addressing Iowas literacy crisis. Thank you for your time and attention to this important matter.Sincerely,Mindy VanZuiden Adjunct Professor at Grand View University, Tutorburg Dyslexia Specialist and Advocate, andPresident of Decoding Dyslexia Iowa

Michelle Veach [Mom of Dyslexic child]

I am in support of this bill. Training teachers can impact entire schools for the same cost as remediating one child. My family spent over $16,000 for tutoring services reteaching my daughter to read. We asked every year why she couldnt read proficiently, seeking ways to support her and help her get to grade level. Not one teacher suggested she might be dyslexic, or to have my daughter evaluated. She lost six years of instructional time and spent two years relearning how to read. Please invest in our teachers, to spare families the journey we went through. Make Iowa a leader in dyslexia intervention by supporting this bill.

Katie Greving [Decoding Dyslexia Iowa]

I strongly support funding for this bill! The Dyslexia Specialist endorsement is crucial training for Iowa teachers. This 18 credit hour credential trains teachers in the science of reading, and this approach is the standard of care for ALL kids, not just those who have learning disabilities. The Dyslexia Specialist endorsement was created as a result of the 2019 Dyslexia Task Force. That group of a variety of stakeholders studied dyslexia and literacy in Iowa for over a year and unanimously recommended that this new credential be developed and offered in our state. The teachers who have gotten this endorsement so far describe it as life changing! Many educators want to pursue it, but cost is a big barrier. Please invest in this so that all Iowa kids can become proficient readers. Remember that the legislature funds a number of other tuition grant/scholarship programs, so this type of funding is not unique.

Bambi Boggs

Dear Legislators,I am writing to express my strong support for SF 286 (formerly HF 96 SF 72), which aims to establish a scholarship fund for the Iowa Dyslexia Specialist Endorsement program. As someone who has taken this course and experienced its remarkable knowledge firsthand, I am deeply invested in its success and the positive impact it can have on our community.Tomorrow marks a critical step in the legislative process for SF 286. While this is not the final vote, it is a crucial hurdle to overcome. The approval by the Senate Appropriations Committee is essential for the bill to advance to the full Senate and House and ultimately be signed into law by the Governor.I urge you to consider the significant benefits this scholarship fund would provide. It will enable more educators to receive specialized training, improving the support and education for students with dyslexia across Iowa. This initiative is not just about funding; it is about investing in our children's future and ensuring they have the resources they need to succeed.Your support for SF 286 is vital. Please help us take this important step forward. Together, we can make a difference and ensure that every child in Iowa has the opportunity to reach their full potential.Thank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,Bambi Boggs

Nina Lorimor-Easley [Decoding Dyslexia Iowa]

Committee members:Adopting this provision to help educators cover the costs of the Iowa Dyslexia Endorsement has the potential to have a significant impact on literacy in Iowa. The educators who are completing this endorsement are having a significant impact on students at all levels. They are in interventions serving students, but they are also coaching, helping architect core instruction, and they are acting as sounding boards for administrators who are trying to do this work. In addition, increasing the demand for this endorsement by removing barriers will also increase the number of higher ed institutions embarking on the important work of moving away from cueing strategies. All of this work is creating alignment with recent legislation and rules around evidencebased content that will prepare Iowa's teachers to help all students. Please vote in favor of this line item.

Stacy Bentley

As a first grade teacher, member of Decoding Dyslexia Iowa, and loved one of someone with dyslexia, I am strongly in support of this bill. I have personally heard from teachers that would like to seek out this endorsement, but are constrained financially. This endorsement offers key learning around teaching literacy, identifying signs of dyslexia, and much more. Skilled teachers are essential for turning our state's literacy scores around and advocating for evidence based literacy practices.

Nicole Pizzini

As a parent of a child with dyslexia, I support this bill and encourage you to support it as well. There is a lack of dyslexia expertise among teachers as identified in the Dyslexia Task Force report. The Dyslexia Certification program was designed to create this expertise. Teachers are wanting to obtain this certification, but the financial costs have been a barrier for many teachers. This bill will support teachers by reducing the financial barrier to the certification and ensure the expertise will remain working in Iowa. Please support this bill that will support teachers and the students with dyslexia.