B.C. to bring in early screening for learning disabilities like dyslexia

The B.C. government says it’s spending millions of dollars in the coming years to support early screening and intervention for learning disabilities like dyslexia.

The province says it is investing $30 million over the next three years to expand services and training. It adds it will work with school districts to “implement evidence-based early literacy screening” for K-Grade 3 students, to ensure “timely support to students who may benefit from additional help with literacy.”

“Students need to develop strong literacy skills in their first few years at school,” said Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Singh.

“We know providing supports early to students who need it can make a big difference in their success. Our government is committed to removing barriers and providing the supports students need so they can reach their full potential.”

The funding will go toward outreach programs and teams, and support what the province calls “literacy-focused professional development and training” for educators and staff for grades K-12.

“Reading difficulties can be prevented for over 95 per cent of all children, including those with dyslexia, when schools screen students and provide effective early intervention starting in kindergarten,” said Dyslexia Canada Executive Director Alicia Smith.

Smith says the latest announcement represents “a significant step forward in ensuring every child in British Columbia receives the support they need to thrive.”

The Ministry of Education and Child Care says it will consult with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, and English Language Learning experts to ensure the development of culturally appropriate literacy screening and intervention resources.

The province says the early literacy screening, intervention, and outreach support programs will start to roll out in the 2024-25 school year.

Dyslexia Canada explains children with dyslexia “have trouble reading accurately and fluently,” adding, “they may also have trouble with reading comprehension, spelling and writing.”

Citing the International Dyslexia Association, Dyslexia Canada says about 10 to 20 per cent of the population “has a language-based learning disability,” with dyslexia listed as the “most common cause of reading, writing, and spelling difficulties.”