The bill establishes the First Grade Summer Reading Immersion Pilot Program, set to begin in the 2026-2027 school year and run for three school years. The program aims to assist school districts in providing summer reading support for students who have completed grade 1 and are at risk of reading deficiencies, specifically those scoring a level one on designated assessments. The Department of Education will select two school districts to participate, create a structured summer program focusing on foundational reading skills, and establish reporting requirements for the districts involved.
Participating school districts are required to invite eligible students to the program, administer it according to the Department's guidelines, and provide data on student progress and participation rates. Upon completion of the pilot, the Department must report to the Legislature on student outcomes, participation rates, and policy recommendations for future implementation. The program will automatically expire after the report is submitted. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026.