New York is considering a legislative bill aimed at dyslexia screening and intervention. Despite the intention of addressing dyslexia in schools, the proposed measures rely on outdated methods that might be less effective for modern educational needs. As the state contemplates adopting the New York Individuals with Dyslexia Education Act (Bill A7101A), there is a call for a more advanced approach that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for dynamic and continuous assessment.
Costs related to special education are significant, with over $850 billion spent on general education and $120 billion on special education in the U.S. in 2024. Dyslexia affects approximately 20% of the American population, yet only half of the students needing special services receive them. More than 40 U.S. states have passed laws for dyslexia screening, and over 30 have mandated intervention, but outdated practices remain a widespread issue.
Challenges in Current Dyslexia Screening
The current bill proposes periodic testing with dyslexia screeners, which are costly and disrupt school schedules. Schools already conduct state and standardized reading assessments frequently, making additional screening redundant. AI can offer a seamless alternative by automatically analyzing students’ responses during regular assessments, allowing for timely and efficient intervention without additional tests.
“A better use of resources would be for schools to provide special services to all students performing in the bottom third of their regular assessments,” experts suggest.
Further complicating matters, New York schools face financial and logistical challenges in training teachers and staff to interpret screening data. The bill also mandates human-specialist intervention methods, adding to the existing workload of educators. AI technology, however, can alleviate these burdens by providing real-time, continuous assessment and training throughout the school year.
AI’s Role in Education
AI is capable of handling complex linguistic systems that contribute to dyslexia, something too intricate for human specialists alone. Language processing involves recognizing patterns in sounds and words, a task that AI can perform efficiently. Although some critics argue against replacing human workers, AI is seen as a supplementary tool that can address gaps in current intervention methods.
No human-led intervention has successfully corrected dyslexia over the past century. Meta-analytic reviews of clinical trials indicate that existing programs have not shown significant positive effects on reading comprehension in struggling readers beyond the third grade. Therefore, integrating technology into dyslexia intervention could address these longstanding challenges.
Automation could drastically reduce costs related to special education services. For instance, Hyde Park, NY, spends around $28,000 per special ed student but still fails to meet state standards. Texas also experiences similar issues, with a budget deficit exceeding $2.3 billion annually despite substantial investments in teacher training and intervention programs.
Incorporating advanced technology for dyslexia intervention could benefit students significantly. While human methods have limitations, AI can provide continuous, precise assessments, making it easier to identify and address dyslexia effectively. As New York considers its legislative approach, embracing state-of-the-art technology could revolutionize education for students with dyslexia.
