On January 9, 2021, Governor Mike DeWine signed a set of laws strengthening dyslexia supports for Ohio’s children. These dyslexia support laws establish dyslexia screening measures (ORC 3323.251), professional development for identifying dyslexia and instructing students with dyslexia (ORC 3319.077), a structured literacy certification process for teachers (ORC 3319.078) and the Ohio Dyslexia Committee (ORC 3323.25). The following is a summary of how these laws impacts school districts:

• Requires school districts and other public schools to administer annual dyslexia screenings beginning in the 2022-2023 school year;

• Phases in over three years dyslexia-related professional development requirements for public school teachers;

• Requires school districts and other public schools, beginning in the 2022-2023 school year, to establish a structured literacy certification process for teachers.

In response to Ohio's Dyslexia law and policies the Jefferson Area Local Schools established a Multidisciplinary Team to develop and guide the implementation of its dyslexia and structured literacy process. 

JALSD MULTIDISCIPLINARY TEAM

Membership & Roles

• Alex Anderson: Facilitator / Director of Elementary Education and Elementary Principal

• Adrienne Fritz: Literacy Specialist / Elementary Principal

• Karen Sly: Wilson Reading Therapist, Teacher, Intervention Specialist

• Laura Gaul: Kindergarten Teacher, Representative K-3

• Jeremy Huber: Student Success Coordinator, Teacher Professional Development Coordinator

• Julie Meyer: K-6 Representative

• Neil Meloro: School Psychologist, Special Education Analysis, Best Practices and Data Expert

• Carla Sziber: Wilson Teacher, Special Education, Secondary School Representative

• Tara Upshire School Psychologist, Special Education Analysis, Best Practices and Data Expert

 Consultants:

Marsha Howell: Literacy Coach, ACESC

William Mullane: Supervisor, Central Office Liaison, State Communications

John Montanaro, Superintendent, Board Policy, and Communication