The Oklahoma Reading Excellence through Accountability, Development, and Standards (READS) Act aims to improve reading proficiency for students in kindergarten through third grade by implementing structured assessments and targeted interventions. Key provisions include the establishment of a Student Reading Proficiency Team that must include a literacy coach, the removal of previous allowances for certain students to demonstrate proficiency through specific screening instruments, and the mandatory retention of third-grade students who do not meet grade-level targets on statewide assessments, unless they qualify for good-cause exemptions. The bill also requires school districts to provide intensive intervention services for retained students and mandates the State Department of Education to employ qualified literacy coaches.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of communication with parents regarding their child's reading progress and intervention plans. It requires school districts to notify parents of their child's reading level and recommend summer academy participation for students not meeting grade-level targets. Starting in the summer following the 2027-2028 school year, districts must provide in-person summer academies for these students, with the opportunity to take an alternative standardized reading assessment for promotion to fourth grade. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and includes provisions for ongoing reporting and evidence-based professional development for teachers to enhance reading instruction.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 70-1210.508C, 70-1210.508D, 70-1210.508E