Download This Version in Microsoft Word format
TO CREATE THE SOUTH CAROLINA DYSLEXIA TASKFORCE, TO PROVIDE FOR THE COMPOSITION OF THE TASKFORCE, AND TO PROVIDE THAT THE TASKFORCE SHALL REPORT ITS FINDINGS TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY.
Whereas, many students with dyslexia are never properly diagnosed and do not receive the necessary specialized educational programs; and
Whereas, it is in the public interest for the State to establish a South Carolina Dyslexia Taskforce to study instructional practices and strategies that benefit students with dyslexia and examine the ways in which current state policies affect this population. Now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. (A) There is hereby established the South Carolina Dyslexia Taskforce to study and evaluate practices for diagnosing, treating, and educating children with dyslexia and to examine how current statutes and regulations affect these students.
(B) The taskforce shall consist of thirteen members, composed as follows:
(1) the Superintendent of the South Carolina Department of Education, or their designee, shall serve ex-officio and shall be the Chairman of the taskforce;
(2) eleven members shall be appointed as follows:
(a) five persons shall be appointed by the Governor, one person upon recommendation of the South Carolina chapter of the Learning Disabilities Association of America, one person upon recommendation of the South Carolina Branch of the International Dyslexia Association, one person upon recommendation of the South Carolina Speech-Language-Hearing Association, one person upon the recommendation of the South Carolina Education Association, and one member of the public at large;
(b) three members shall be appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate. Two shall be members of the Senate, at least one of whom shall be a member of the majority political party represented in the General Assembly and at least one of whom shall be a member of the largest minority political party represented in the General Assembly. One shall be a member of the public at large; and
(c) three members shall be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Two shall be members of the House of Representatives, at least one of whom shall be a member of the majority political party represented in the General Assembly and at least one of whom shall be a member of the largest minority political party represented in the General Assembly. One shall be a member of the public at large; and
(3) the taskforce shall organize as soon as practicable following the appointment of its members and shall select a vice chairperson from among its members.
(C) The members of the taskforce shall be appointed no later than thirty days after the effective date of this act.
(D) Vacancies in the membership of the taskforce shall be filled in the same manner provided by the original appointments.
(E) The members shall serve without compensation except for their actual and necessary expenses while in performance of duties provided in this resolution. The taskforce may meet and hold hearings at the places it designates during the sessions or recesses of the legislature.
(F) The findings and recommendations of the taskforce shall be reported to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than twelve months after the initial meeting of the taskforce. The report shall include any proposed legislation that the taskforce recommends for adoption by the General Assembly.
(G) The taskforce shall dissolve immediately after submitting its report to the Governor and the General Assembly.
SECTION 2. This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
This web page was last updated on December 8, 2010 at 2:54 PM