Hawaii schools screen younger students for reading difficulties

Department schools screen students for signs of dyslexia and reading difficulty. Screening covers all students in kindergarten through grade three and any student entering a department school in Hawaii for the first time. The department approves the screening, which is part of the schools’ universal screening process. It covers listed reading skills as appropriate to each student’s development. This section does not apply to Hawaiian language immersion schools or charter schools. The screening requirement begins with the 2028–29 school year.

Department schools provide reading support and monitor student progress. Support covers students identified as having dyslexia and students flagged as struggling readers through universal screening. Schools provide support through Hawaii’s system for matching instruction to student needs. This section does not apply to Hawaiian language immersion schools or charter schools. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.

The department provides staff learning and works with teacher training programs on structured literacy. The department provides learning opportunities for staff in complex areas and department schools, and works with higher education teacher training programs for general and special education candidates. Structured literacy teaches reading and writing step by step, with practice, feedback, and progress checks. This section does not apply to Hawaiian language immersion schools or charter schools. The act takes effect July 1, 2026.