The proposed bill would amend current statutes by requiring the State Board of Education (SBE) to mandate that all approved educator preparation programs in mild-moderate special education include necessary courses for obtaining a literacy endorsement. This change is aimed at ensuring that teachers who provide literacy instruction in kindergarten through fifth grade are adequately trained. Additionally, the bill specifies that the term "curriculum," in the context of K-3 literacy plans, encompasses any curriculum used for reading instruction for children with disabilities or English language learners.

Current law, which requires educator preparation programs in elementary and early childhood education to include literacy endorsement courses, will be updated to explicitly include mild-moderate special education. The bill also removes previous deadlines for compliance and clarifies the definition of curriculum related to reading instruction. Overall, these updates aim to enhance literacy instruction and support for diverse learners in Arizona's educational system.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-501.01, 15-704, 15-533, 15-534, 15-756.09, 15-532, 15-219, 15-537, 15-203, 15-782.01, 15-132, 15-552
Senate Engrossed Version: 15-501.01, 15-704, 15-533, 15-534, 15-756.09, 15-532, 15-219, 15-537, 15-203, 15-782.01, 15-132, 15-552
Chaptered Version: 15-501.01, 15-704, 15-533, 15-534, 15-756.09, 15-532, 15-219, 15-537, 15-203, 15-782.01, 15-132, 15-552