Julia Brownley: “As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill, the READ Act, which…”

“As co-chair of the Congressional Dyslexia Caucus, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan bill, the READ Act, which will ensure, finally, that science drives informed public policy. I want to thank Chairman Smith for his passionate leadership on this issue. Today is a day, I think, that we can all celebrate, and I want to thank him very, very much for all of his efforts. The READ Act will increase National Science Foundation research on dyslexia, including best practices on early identification and professional development for teachers and school administrators. It will also support research on the most effective teaching practices and curriculum models for students with dyslexia. The research this bill supports can make a difference, a big, big difference, in the lives of millions of American children. Learning disabilities like dyslexia and attention-related disorders affect as many as one in five children in our country. It was my daughter Hannah's struggle with dyslexia, that led me, quite frankly, to public service. Out of real frustration, I ran for my local school board because, as a parent, it was clear to me that our schools were unprepared to meet my daughter's needs and to meet the needs of students with dyslexia, and teachers had never been properly trained to identify this learning disability. After 12 years on the school board, I was elected to my State legislature.…”