Senator Kolker Leads Bipartisan Push for Universal Dyslexia Screening

Published: March 31, 2025

Source: CBS Colorado

Senator Chris Kolker is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 25-200, a bipartisan initiative aimed at implementing standardized dyslexia screening for Colorado students in kindergarten through third grade. The bill, which has been making its way through the state legislature, seeks to address the challenges faced by students with undiagnosed dyslexia, particularly those from low-income and minority backgrounds.

Advocates like Laura Mitchell and Lindsay Drakos, co-founders of the nonprofit COKID, have been instrumental in pushing for this legislation. Their personal experiences with the high costs and difficulties of obtaining private evaluations for their children highlight the need for accessible screening in public schools.

Senator Kolker emphasized that the bill does not require additional general fund expenditures, stating, “It does not have a fiscal note and we do not have any general fund expenditures foreseen initially.” This aspect of the bill aims to facilitate its passage through the legislature without significant budgetary concerns.

The proposed legislation is part of a broader effort to improve literacy rates and ensure early identification and support for students with dyslexia, aligning Colorado with other states that have implemented similar measures.