Pence signs Bray-sponsored Dyslexia Bill, HEA 1108

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (seated center) is joined by bill sponsor (seated, left) State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville) and bill author Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) for the signing of HEA 1108 as looking on are (back, from left) co-authors Rep. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc), Rep. Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) and (right) Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis). (Courtesy photo)

INDIANAPOLIS -- Indiana Gov. Mike Pence joined Hoosiers Thursday in the Statehouse Rotunda to ceremonially sign the so-called "Dyslexia Bill" into law.

HEA 1108, which requires teacher training programs to prepare teachers to recognize when a student may have special learning needs, including learning needs related to dyslexia.

The governor was joined by bill sponsor District 37 State Sen. Rodric Bray (R-Martinsville), bill author Rep. Woody Burton (R-Whiteland) and co-authors Rep. Greg Beumer (R-Modoc), Rep. Karlee Macer (D-Indianapolis), Rep. Donna Schaibley (R-Carmel) and Rep. John Bartlett (D-Indianapolis).

"Here in Indiana, we want every child to receive a quality education," Gov. Pence said. "Dyslexia should not be a deterrent to learning, and, thanks to House Enrolled Act 1108, Indiana is now addressing an important need in our state's classrooms.

"This legislation requires teacher training programs to better prepare teachers to recognize when a student may need to be referred to the school's multidisciplinary team to determine the student's special learning needs, including those related to dyslexia. It also allows education service centers to offer courses and training related to dyslexia."

HEA 1108 goes into effect July 1.