The bill amends the Strong Readers Act to enhance teacher certification requirements and improve reading assessments for students in Oklahoma. Starting July 1, 2025, individuals seeking certification in early childhood, elementary, or special education must successfully complete a comprehensive reading instruction assessment. The bill also modifies the purpose of reading assessments, removes the requirement for certain teacher candidates to pass specific assessments before graduation, and adds adjuncts to required instruction. Additionally, it updates the use of the Statewide Literacy Revolving Fund and alters the requirements for teacher preparation program students to complete specific training.

Furthermore, the bill revises the screening process for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify reading difficulties, including dyslexia characteristics. It mandates the State Board of Education to approve at least three screening instruments for monitoring reading skills and requires tailored intervention plans for students identified with reading deficiencies. School districts must submit annual updates on their Strong Readers plans, including data analysis from the Oklahoma School Testing Program. The State Board of Education will adopt rules for implementing and evaluating the Strong Readers Act, ensuring that students receive intensive intervention services as needed. The bill emphasizes evidence-based literacy instruction and parental involvement, with provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025, and an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.508C
Floor (House): 70-1210.508C, 70-1210.508F
Floor (Senate): 70-1210.508C
Engrossed: 70-1210.508C, 70-1210.508F
Amended And Engrossed: 70-1210.508C, 70-1210.508F
Enrolled (final version): 70-1210.508C, 70-1210.508F