Meeting Public Comments

Renee Saarloos []

I support this bill to fund the grant program for the dyslexia specialist endorsement. The training teachers receive in this program is imperative, not only for dyslexic learners but for ALL students across Iowa. As a parent of a dyslexic child, current reading interventionist, and dyslexia advocate, I know EVERY school should have more educators with deep knowledge of dyslexia.

Bambi Boggs [Schools]

I'm writing in strong support of Bill HF 2377. As an educator who's completed the Dyslexia Endorsement I urge you to pass this Bill. The knowledge, practice standards and hands on training provided in the Dyslexia Endorsement has been powerful for me. I am able to support educators in the understanding of, not only Dyslexia, but a learner profile to support learners in Literacy through taking steps to ensure that the environment, instruction and curriculum is dyslexia friendly. The 18 credits are difficult for educators to pay for. As a single mother at the time of enrollment I was lucky enough to qualify for student loans. My district did not provide financial support. I asked and was told I could use my signon stipend of which was only $2,000 after taxes. In conclusion, I ask for your support on behalf of educators of Iowa who are doing their best every day and are struggling to create dyslexia friendly classrooms. By passing the bill we are providing important learning for all Iowans. As my knowledge from this endorsement is shared daily with educators, administration, parents and communities in my position as the Dyslexia Specialist for Ottumwa Schools.

Heidi Van Roekel []

I support this dyslexia specialist endorsement bill. As a parent with a dyslexic child and having a spouse affected with it, I see a unique world where more needs to be done for these kids and how it affects them long into adulthood. Having teachers who support and understand educational delays with dyslexia is just as much expected and needed for families like ours who struggles from one generation to another to make it through. Please consider giving our teachers all the assets they need to better our kids foundational skills.

Megan Hunemuller []

I am in support of HF 2377. Dyslexics in Iowa are at a huge disadvantage, as are our educators, at no fault of their own. Our higher ed schools have dropped the ball when it comes to educating our upcoming teachers about dyslexia. When students graduate from college and are ready to take on a role in educating our students, they should not only understand what dyslexia and how it affects students, but they also should be able to recognize the signs and be prepared to help accommodate these students. Dyslexia effects 1 in 5, the more educators we can get through this Dyslexia Specialist endorsement, the better!! As with everything, cost is a huge factor and I hate that it holds some of our best educators back from being able to further their education while helping all Iowa students succeed. Please consider passing this bill