2012 Bill 204 First Session, 28th Legislature, 61 Elizabeth II THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF ALBERTA BILL 204 IRLEN SYNDROME TESTING ACT MRS. JABLONSKI First Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Second Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Committee of the Whole . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Third Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Assent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1 Bill 204 Mrs. Jablonski BILL 204 2012 IRLEN SYNDROME TESTING ACT (Assented to , 2012)

WHEREAS all children should have the opportunity to develop their potential in the school system to the greatest extent possible;

WHEREAS problems in reading and comprehending due to Irlen Syndrome restrict a child’s ability to learn and to participate in school programs; and

WHEREAS when Irlen Syndrome is diagnosed and corrective measures taken, a child has the opportunity to realize his or her potential; THEREFORE HER MAJESTY, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta, enacts as follows:

Definitions 1(1) In this Act, (a) “Irlen Syndrome” includes scotopic sensitivity syndrome and visual disturbance syndrome; (b) “Minister” means the Minister determined under

section 16 of the Government Organization Act as the Minister responsible for this Act; (c) “screener” means an Irlen Syndrome screener who meets the requirements established in the regulations.

(2) Any other term or expression used in this Act that is not defined in this Act has the same meaning as may be assigned to it in the School Act.

2 Duty of board 2 A board must ensure that screeners are available to test for Irlen Syndrome. Screening for Irlen Syndrome 3(1) A teacher who recognizes symptoms of Irlen Syndrome in a student must recommend to the parents or guardian of the student that he or she be tested for Irlen Syndrome.

(2) Upon receiving written consent from the parent or guardian of a student, that student must be tested by a screener who is made available by a board under

section 2.

(3) If a screener determines that the student may have Irlen Syndrome, the screener must advise the parent or guardian and indicate what corrective measures may be undertaken and if additional testing is required. Regulations 4 The Minister may make regulations (

a) establishing criteria, standards and policies concerning screeners; (

b) prescribing any forms required under this Act, including consent forms; (

c) concerning any additional matter or thing that is necessary in furtherance of this Act. Transitional 5 If Bill 3, Education Act, introduced in the 1st Session of the 28th Legislature receives Royal Assent and is proclaimed in force prior to the coming into force of this Act, then

section 1(2) of this Act is repealed and replaced with the following:

(2) Any other term or expression used in this Act that is not defined in this Act has the same meaning as assigned to it in the Education Act. Coming into force 6 This Act comes into force on January 1, 2014.

Record of Debate STAGE DATE MEMBER FROM TO TOTAL CUMULATIVE TOTAL Title: 2012 (28th, 1st) Bill 204, Irlen Syndrome Testing Act