House Bill No. by Representative Wyble aims to improve student literacy in Louisiana by amending existing laws and introducing new requirements for teacher education programs and public schools. The bill mandates that teacher education programs for candidates seeking certification to teach kindergarten through third grade include instruction on foundational literacy skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, and comprehension. It also requires special education and secondary education programs to address adolescent literacy skills, including effective reading strategies and interventions for students with dyslexia. The bill emphasizes the need for alignment in literacy instruction across different certification areas and grade levels.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the state Department of Education and public schools in developing an adolescent literacy program, approving reliable reading assessments, and providing professional development for educators. Schools are required to administer reading assessments to identify students with deficiencies, create individual reading improvement plans, and ensure parental notification and involvement in supporting students' reading progress. The bill also includes provisions for early literacy for students in kindergarten through third grade, mandates annual reviews of individual student plans, and allows for ongoing coaching support for tutors. It repeals certain existing laws and establishes new requirements for teacher education programs, particularly for those entering programs during or after the 2027-2028 academic year, with implementation set for the 2027-2028 school year.

Statutes affected:
HB316 Original: 17:10(K), 17:9(C)