Washington
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes
Washington passed ESSB 6162, an act related to dyslexia. In accordance with RCW 28A.320.260, each school must use a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to:
Screen
Screen students in grades K–2 for indications of below-grade level literacy development, including indications of or areas of weakness associated with dyslexia.
Intervene
Provide evidence-based multisensory structured literacy interventions to students in grades K–2 who are at risk for reading difficulties, such as dyslexia.
To maximize the efficacy and impact of instruction and intervention for all learners, literacy practices and programs must be based on the science of reading, validated through research for the specific population of learners they are designed to support, and reflective of the cultural and linguistic diversity of the school community
Communicate
For students who are at risk for reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, districts must notify the student’s family and caregivers of the identified indicators from the literacy screening results and the intervention plan.
Information and guidance documents regarding legislation can be found at:
Washington provides optional professional learning for educators as follows:
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
No. Washington does not have an approved curriculum list.
We do recommend local education agencies and schools use the Hexagon Tool (NIRN) in the selection or deselection process and The Curriculum Evaluation Guidelines (The Reading League) in reviewing curriculum materials.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Not applicable. Washington does not have an approved curriculum list.
Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes, Washington provides guidance on early screening.
Early Screening requirements
- Screen students in grades K–2 for indications of below-grade level literacy development, including indications of or areas of weakness associated with dyslexia. Districts must use screening tools and resources that exemplify best practices, as described under RCW 28A.300.700.
- To identify students who are at risk for reading difficulties, including dyslexia, literacy screening tools in grades K–2 must assess, at minimum, the following, as required by law: phonological awareness, phonemic awareness, letter-sound knowledge, Rapid Automatized Naming (RAN) and family history of difficulty with reading and language acquisition.
Screeners that meet criteria
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Washington is currently updating the assessment vendors that meet criteria. The updates will include:
- Updated RAN assessment vendors
- Updated Spanish early literacy vendors
Washington is currently updating the guidance document and will provide an implementation timeline as a companion document
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Yes
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development
Yes
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Yes, guidance for professional learning is references in the guidance
Washington provides optional professional learning for educators as follows:
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
No, Washington does not have any grant work that names the science of reading
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Washington is currently in the standards review process (2023)
Please describe any other standards work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Washington is currently reviewing math, science, and ELA
The link to the standards review process is listed here
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Yes
For students who are at risk for reading difficulties, such as dyslexia, districts must notify the student’s family and caregivers of the identified indicators from the literacy screening results, the intervention plan, and associated resources.
Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?
Washington provides a basic level of professional learning for educators to support secondary students.
Professional learning
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?
The Washington dyslexia guidance document provides direction regarding multilingual learners and the science of reading.
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
No, not at the present time
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Email: dyslexia@k12.wa.us
Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading
Washington is currently working towards the following supports for LEA’s and schools:
- Contracting with The Reading league to provide an overview of The Curriculum Evaluation Tool
- Washington has contracted with Dr. Kim St. Martin to receive professional learning on the R-TFI and data-based individualization. We develop training modules for school and district leaders to complete the R-TFI and follow next steps for systems improvement.
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
