Summary of Original Version

Amend KRS 158.305 to require kindergarten students to be given a universal screener within the final 10 instructional days of the school year; beginning with the 2025-2026 school year require that a student remain in kindergarten for an additional year if he or she did not make adequate progress in kindergarten; prohibit a school from requiring a student who turns seven by August 1 to remain in kindergarten; require the school to reevaluate the reading improvement plan of any student remaining in kindergarten; allow a student provided an additional year in kindergarten to advance through the primary program when it is determined to be in the student's best interest.

Summary of Amendment: House Committee Substitute 1

Summary Retain original provisions, except require the universal screener be given to kindergarten students within the final 14 instructional days rather than the final 10 instructional days; change the conditions required for retention of a kindergarten student; limit placement authority of a student eligible for special education and related services to the admissions and release committee.

Summary of Amendment: Senate Committee Substitute 1

Summary Retain original provisions; require first grade students to be given a universal screener within the final 14 instructional days of the school year; provide for a first grade student to remain in first grade based on the criteria previously set forth; provide that a student who previously remained an additional year in kindergarten cannot be required to remain an additional year in first grade; provide that a student can only be required to remain in first grade for one additional year.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 158.305
House Committee Substitute 1: 158.305
Senate Committee Substitute 1: 158.305
Current: 158.305