31 Oct Is 2025 the Year Colorado Will Adopt Universal Dyslexia Screening?
Parents Advocate for Change While Global Education Testing Highlights the Need for Independent Assessments
At a recent Colorado State Board of Education meeting, emotional testimonies from parents underscored a pressing issue: the lack of mandatory dyslexia screening in schools. Parents like Bri Luna and Mary Sailas shared stories of their children’s struggles, including heartbreaking consequences such as mental health crises and academic failure, all stemming from undiagnosed dyslexia. Advocates hope 2025 will bring long-overdue legislation requiring universal dyslexia screening, but challenges remain, including funding constraints and bureaucratic timelines.
At Global Education Testing, we see firsthand the life-changing impact of early, accurate dyslexia identification. Stories like these resonate deeply with us and validate our mission to provide families with accessible, comprehensive educational psychology assessments. As the debate continues in Colorado, independent testing remains a vital resource for parents seeking timely answers and effective interventions.
A Patchwork of Dyslexia Screening in Colorado
Currently, dyslexia screening varies across Colorado school districts, leaving many students undiagnosed. While some districts like Boulder Valley have implemented screening programs, there’s no statewide mandate to ensure all students receive early identification. Dyslexia, which affects an estimated 15-20% of the population, often goes unnoticed by state-approved assessments, as these tools are not designed to detect the nuanced challenges faced by dyslexic students.
Parents, advocates, and even some State Board members argue that universal screening is not just a legislative issue but a moral imperative. Board Chair Rebecca McClellan emphasized the importance of understanding the scale of the problem: “If we begin by telling ourselves the truth about how big the challenge is, that can be part of the argument for the funding for the services.”
Yet, the reality for many families is that early intervention hinges on private evaluations, which can be prohibitively expensive. Families from lower-income backgrounds, like those of advocate Mary Sailas, are left with limited options to support their children’s learning.
Independent Dyslexia Testing: A Lifeline for Families
While systemic changes are critical, families can’t afford to wait. At Global Education Testing, we provide comprehensive assessments that identify dyslexia and other learning difficulties early and accurately. Unlike standard school-administered evaluations, our assessments are tailored to uncover the specific needs of each student, offering a detailed understanding of their learning profile.
Key Benefits of Independent Testing
Unbiased Analysis
Our assessments provide an objective perspective, free from the limitations of school-based evaluations.
Comprehensive Reports
Families receive actionable recommendations, ensuring children get the targeted support they need.
Advocacy for Resources
Our evaluations help parents advocate for accommodations like additional reading support or extended exam times.
Affordability and Accessibility
While many private evaluations are costly, we work to make our services as accessible as possible for families.
With universal dyslexia testing still a work in progress, independent testing serves as a critical bridge for families seeking immediate answers and interventions.
Benefits of a full educational psychology assessment
- Identifies specific learning difficulties, such as dyslexia or ADHD
- Provides a detailed understanding of cognitive strengths and weaknesses
- Helps tailor individualized education plans (IEPs)
- Supports access to exam accommodations, such as extra time
- Assists in selecting appropriate teaching strategies
- Addresses emotional and behavioral concerns linked to learning challenges
- Provides insights for targeted interventions and support
- Enhances communication between parents, schools, and professionals.
- Identifies giftedness or dual exceptionalities.
- Aids in long-term academic and career planning
- Offers an unbiased, comprehensive evaluation
- Empowers families to advocate effectively for their child’s needs
The Emotional Toll of Undiagnosed Dyslexia
The impact of delayed or inadequate support for dyslexia extends far beyond academics. One mother, Amy Thompson, described the devastating loss of her daughter in 2022 after years of struggling with reading. Her daughter, who had long felt inadequate in school, left behind a note that read, “I don’t learn like other kids” and “I feel useless at school every day.”
These stories highlight a glaring disconnect between the needs of dyslexic students and the tools schools use to address them. Colorado’s current assessments often fail to identify dyslexia, allowing students to mask their struggles with verbal strengths or other coping mechanisms. This leads to ineffective interventions and a cycle of frustration for students and families.
Thompson’s call to action was clear: “The way we are treating dyslexic students now is unconscionable. Putting in a kindergarten screener will save lives.”
Legislation and Advocacy
There are hopeful signs that change may be on the horizon. The Colorado Department of Education is considering legislative updates to the state’s READ Act, which currently mandates reading assessments in kindergarten through third grade. However, these updates, which would include dyslexia-specific screening, may not be fully implemented until 2026—far too late for many advocates.
Parents and board members alike argue that universal screening is not only feasible but essential. It would provide accurate data on the prevalence of dyslexia in Colorado schools, offering a clear case for increased funding and resources.
Bridging the Gap with Global Education Testing
While legislation and systemic reform are slow-moving processes, families can take immediate steps to support their children. At Global Education Testing, we specialize in providing independent educational psychology assessments for private and international school students. Our evaluations not only identify dyslexia but also equip families with the tools to advocate effectively for their child’s education.
For parents worried about their child’s reading struggles, our services offer a lifeline. By pinpointing the root causes of learning challenges and providing tailored recommendations, we empower families to navigate a system that can often feel overwhelming and impersonal.
Contact Global Education Testing today to learn more about how we can help your child thrive, no matter where they are on their learning journey.
As Colorado considers universal dyslexia screening, the stories of families grappling with the consequences of delayed intervention underscore the urgency of action. While systemic changes are necessary, parents don’t have to wait for legislation to take charge of their child’s education. Through comprehensive, independent assessments, Global Education Testing provides the answers and support that families need right now. Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed in school and beyond.
Alexander Bentley-Sutherland is the CEO of Global Education Testing, the leading provider of Learning Development Testing tailored specifically for the International and Private School community worldwide.