House Bill No. by Representative Wyble seeks to enhance literacy education 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 those 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 incorporate adolescent literacy skills, ensuring that teachers are prepared to meet the diverse needs of students, including those with dyslexia. The legislation establishes guidelines for high-dosage tutoring and effective instructional materials while repealing outdated provisions.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of the state Department of Education and public school governing authorities 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 and create individual reading improvement plans. The bill emphasizes data-driven instruction, parental involvement, and the use of high-quality instructional materials, while prohibiting the three-cueing systems model in teaching reading. It also mandates annual reviews of reading improvement plans by public school governing authorities and allows for the consolidation of various literacy plans. The implementation of these provisions is set to begin in the 2027-2028 school year, with an earlier deadline for plan submissions in September 2026.

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