For Immediate Release:
January 20, 2004
Sen. Kathleen Wilcoxson
Senator Wilcoxson Announces Public Hearing on Dyslexia
Parents,
educators, administrators and other concerned citizens are
invited to attend a public hearing on dyslexia at the State
Capitol on Wednesday, January 21. Senator Kathleen
Wilcoxson, who organized the event, said she will unveil
legislation to identify and provide instructional intervention
for dyslexic students.
“It is estimated that one-fifth of all Americans are
dyslexic. Dyslexics make up 80 percent of all students in
special education classes. The earlier these students are
identified, the better our chances are of helping them overcome
this disability. Unfortunately, we are not identifying these
students early enough,” explained Senator Wilcoxson,
R-OKC.
Studies indicate that 74 percent of children with reading
disabilities who are not identified until the third grade
continue to have reading disabilities in the ninth grade,
even though they may be in special education classes.
“Clearly, a lot of these children are falling through
the cracks. In order for them to reach their full potential,
they must learn how to read, write and spell proficiently.
We know there are education methods that can help them do
this. The goal of my legislation is to help us do a better
job of finding those children and give them the tools they
need to succeed,” said Wilcoxson.
The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2004,
from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Senate Chamber of the State
Capitol.
For more information, contact Senator Kathleen Wilcoxson
at 405-521-5618, or e-mail purinton@lsb.state.ok.us.
For
more information contact:
Senate
Communications Division - (405) 521-5774
