Schmaltz: Teaching dyslexic students how to read should be a priority

As a parent and a strong believer in the power of education to transform lives, one of the biggest reasons I wanted to serve as a state representative was to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable children.

That’s why I have been working hard on House Bill 5135. It holds the promise of breaking down barriers for children with dyslexia, ensuring they receive the support they need to thrive academically and learn how to read.

Think of the remarkable individuals who have triumphed over dyslexia — Walt Disney, Leonardo da Vinci, Albert Einstein, Jennifer Aniston, Magic Johnson, Keanu Reeves, Henry Ford, Cher, Keira Knightley and more. They are all intelligent, creative people who are dyslexic. They just process words and letters differently.

Dyslexia is a hereditary condition affecting reading, writing and spelling that touches the lives of approximately 20% of the United States population. Despite the high number of people affected by dyslexia, our education system often falls short in providing the specialized instruction essential for these students to reach their full potential.

Students, parents and teachers are frustrated. House Bill 5135 is my commitment to make sure we finally make it a priority to teach dyslexic children how to read and set them on a path to success.

The Orton-Gillingham method is a proven, multi-sensory approach that has been widely recognized since the 1930s. It engages sight, hearing, touch and movement to enhance reading and language skills for dyslexic students. House Bill 5135 would make sure teachers are trained in this method.

The educational landscape in Michigan presents a stark reality, with our reading scores ranking among the nation’s lowest. Seven out of 10 fourth-grade students in our state struggle to read at a proficient level. With dyslexia affecting about two out of every 10 kids, implementing strategies to identify and help kids with dyslexia certainly would go a long way. House Bill 5135 directly addresses this crisis by guaranteeing that every school district in Michigan has at least one teacher equipped with the Orton-Gillingham method. This legislation is designed to be practical and effective.

Education shouldn’t be political, and I am encouraged to report that House Bill 5135 has already earned bipartisan support. Before I introduced the bill 20 co-sponsors signed on, showcasing a shared commitment to the success and well-being of Michigan’s students.

Crucially, the Orton-Gillingham method aligns with the understanding that dyslexic people are not lacking in intelligence or creativity; they simply process language and the written word differently. Extensive research has clearly shown that this teaching method has proven helpful for young people with dyslexia, and now is the time to bring this method into our schools.

I served on the Michigan Dyslexia Institute Board for many years, and I’ve seen children go from F’s to A’s. Their whole confidence level changes for the better.

As the sponsor of this legislation, I urge my colleagues and the community to support House Bill 5135. By working together, we can move toward a more inclusive, compassionate and successful education system that uplifts every student, regardless of their learning differences.

We’ve known how to do this for decades. It’s time to act.

State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz, R-Jackson, represents Michigan’s 46th House District.