Dyslexia

Tennessee SB1056 requires local education agencies to screen all students for dyslexia. It also mandates the use of the Orton-Gillingham teaching method for students identified with dyslexia and includes training for educators on this method as part of their professional development.

TN SB1056 is a senate bill in the Tennessee 114th General Assembly, sponsored by Jessie Seal (R), currently “Introduced” since February 5, 2025.

We track 9,160 Tennessee bills this session, 96 of them sponsored by Jessie Seal.

Supporters of SB1056 would highlight its proactive approach to identifying and supporting students with dyslexia, ensuring that all children receive the necessary resources to succeed in reading. By incorporating the Orton-Gillingham method, the bill aims to provide effective, evidence-based instruction to help these students thrive academically.

Critics of SB1056 may argue that the bill imposes additional burdens on local education agencies and teachers without providing adequate funding or resources for implementation. There may also be concerns about the one-size-fits-all approach of mandating a specific teaching method, which could limit educators' flexibility to use other effective strategies.

The bill SB1056 focuses on the screening and teaching methods for dyslexia within educational institutions, specifically requiring local education agencies to implement the Orton-Gillingham method. The sponsor, Jessie Seal, has personal financial interests that do not directly align with the education sector or the specific impacts of this bill. While the sponsor is employed by Lifeline Ambulance Service, LLC, which operates in the healthcare field, this does not create a direct conflict with the educational focus of the bill. Furthermore, the sponsor's investments in Wal-Mart, GE, and Apple stocks do not have a clear connection to the legislation regarding dyslexia education and training. Therefore, there are no significant overlaps that would suggest a potential for personal financial gain from the passage of this bill.

Unlike federal analysis based on campaign donations, state analysis examines legislators' personal financial interests — their jobs, businesses, and investments.