The Manitoba government has passed Bill 225, the Public Schools Amendment Act (Universal Screening for Learning Disabilities), which ensures every young student in the province receives early reading screenings to identify and address potential reading difficulties, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced on November 4.
"We know parents and teachers want kids to excel in school. We supported and strengthened Bill 225 to focus squarely on early reading, which is the foundation of all future learning," said Schmidt. "By acting early, we can support students before reading difficulties become learning barriers. This bill will ensure educators have the right tools and families have the right information to help children thrive."
The new legislation creates a universal early reading screening framework that applies to all students from kindergarten to Grade 4, which requires:
- universal early reading screening for all students in kindergarten through Grade 4 using standardized, evidence-based tools that meet criteria established by the minister;
- two screenings per year in at least three of the five early school years, to identify students at risk of future reading difficulties including dyslexia;
- parent communication through report cards, ensuring families receive timely updates on their child's progress; and
- ongoing supports and progress monitoring for students identified as needing additional help.
Select school divisions have already started piloting early reading screening tools this fall, with full implementation planned across all divisions next school year. School divisions will be able to choose from standardized, evidence-based tools that meet criteria set by the minister.
This strengthened legislation builds on the Manitoba government's commitment to improve literacy outcomes and classroom success, the minister added, including initiatives such as the universal school nutrition program, smaller early years class sizes, 832 new teachers and the expansion of the Community Schools Program.
