Senate Bill No. by Senator McMath aims to enhance academic support for students in grades kindergarten through eight who have not achieved mastery on statewide assessments in reading, English language arts, or math, or who are performing below grade level in literacy or numeracy. The bill amends existing law to expand eligibility for expanded academic support from grades kindergarten through five to grades kindergarten through eight. It also introduces high-dosage tutoring as a mandatory option for students identified as needing support, requiring that this tutoring begins within thirty days of identification or at the start of the school year for those identified through state assessments.

Additionally, the bill modifies the definition of "high-quality instructional materials" and imposes new requirements on tutoring providers, mandating that tutors not only pass background checks but also complete foundational literacy or numeracy professional learning courses. Reporting requirements for local public school boards are also updated, changing the deadline for submitting data to the state Department of Education from June 1st to June 30th, and moving the publication date for the department's report from July 1st to September 1st. The bill is set to take effect upon the governor's signature or after the designated period for gubernatorial action.

Statutes affected:
SB27 Original: 17:13(A), 17:13(I)(1), 17:13(I)(2)