The bill amends the Strong Readers Act to revise the reading screening requirements for kindergarten and early elementary students in Oklahoma. It establishes that kindergarten students will now undergo screenings at the middle and end of the school year, with the first screening required by December. In contrast, first, second, and third-grade students will continue to be screened at the beginning, middle, and end of each school year. The State Board of Education is tasked with approving at least two screening instruments for kindergarten and three for grades one through three, ensuring these tools assess essential reading skills and align with the reading curriculum.

Additionally, the bill outlines the responsibilities of school districts in providing reading instruction and intervention for students with reading deficiencies. It mandates the creation of individual reading intervention plans within 30 days for students who do not meet grade-level targets and requires annual reporting on reading proficiency metrics. The bill also stipulates that school districts report on intensive intervention efforts for students not reading at grade level, both with and without Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). The State Department of Education is directed to provide recommendations for improvements to the Strong Readers Act and may contract with an independent entity for reporting and analysis. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, with an emergency clause for immediate enactment upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.508C