This bill mandates that school districts in New Jersey implement a reading intervention program for students in grades kindergarten through three as part of the New Jersey Student Learning Standards in English Language Arts. The program is designed for students who exhibit a reading deficiency, as determined by an approved assessment from the Commissioner of Education. Key components of the program include utilizing a data-driven multi-tiered system of supports, providing explicit instruction in various reading skills, monitoring student progress throughout the year, and making necessary adjustments based on individual student needs.
Additionally, the bill requires school districts to adopt high-quality instructional materials that are grounded in scientifically-based reading research. The Department of Education is tasked with supplying age-appropriate materials to assist in the implementation of the program and is also responsible for developing a process to evaluate the effectiveness of the reading intervention program. This legislation aims to enhance reading proficiency among young students and ensure that they receive the necessary support to succeed in their literacy development.