Substitute Bill No. 220 seeks to improve student literacy in Connecticut by establishing a middle grades student support grant program, effective July 1, 2026. This program, administered by the Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success, will provide grants to local and regional boards of education to assist students in grades four to six who are struggling with reading, particularly those scoring at level 1 or level 2 on the English Language Arts mastery examination. Each participating board must create an integrated reading plan that incorporates evidence-based instructional interventions, identifies specific reading deficiencies, and includes a school literacy team to monitor student progress and engage parents in supporting literacy at home. The bill also modifies existing laws regarding reading assessments for students in kindergarten through grade three, requiring the Department of Education to adopt a list of mandatory assessments to be conducted at least three times a year.

Additionally, the bill enhances educator preparation programs by focusing on structured literacy and dyslexia, with implementation of the Connecticut Educator Competencies for Structured Literacy and Dyslexia mandated by July 1, 2026. The Commissioner of Education, in collaboration with the Office of Higher Education, will ensure that all programs adhere to these competencies and develop options for an early literacy microcredential by July 1, 2027. Furthermore, the Commissioner is required to submit a report to the General Assembly's education committee by January 1, 2028, detailing the implementation of these provisions and recommendations for the microcredential. The bill introduces new sections in the general statutes to support these initiatives, although it does not specify any deletions from current law. Overall, the bill aims to enhance literacy instruction and support for both students and educators in Connecticut.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-14t
ED Joint Favorable Substitute Change of Reference: 10-14t