This bill mandates the New Hampshire Department of Education to conduct reviews of professional educator preparation programs to ensure they provide effective literacy instruction based on evidence-based strategies aligned with the science of reading. Specifically, the bill introduces a new section, RSA 189:58-a, which requires that all educators complete coursework in key literacy components such as phonics, fluency, and comprehension. Additionally, it stipulates that clinical training for educators responsible for teaching reading must occur only in classrooms where cooperating teachers have verified training in literacy instruction strategies. The department is also tasked with developing an auditing process to evaluate the effectiveness of these programs and to publish the results on its website.

Furthermore, the bill amends RSA 21-N:9, II to include a new subparagraph that outlines the auditing process for literacy instruction in professional preparation programs. The Department of Education is authorized to adopt rules related to this auditing process under RSA 541-A. While the bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, it anticipates the need for a full-time position to support the implementation of these requirements, with estimated costs of $130,000 for FY 2027 and FY 2028, and $136,000 for FY 2029.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-N:9
As Amended by the House: 21-N:9
As Amended by the Senate: 21-N:9
HB1828 text: 21-N:9