The bill amends the Strong Readers Act to improve reading assessments and intervention strategies for students in kindergarten through third grade. It requires public school districts to create a strong readers plan that includes transitional instruction for students identified with reading deficiencies. Starting in the 2025-2026 school year, the State Board of Education will approve at least three screening instruments to assess reading skills, and students not meeting grade-level targets will receive intensive intervention services. Additionally, certain first-, second-, and third-grade students who do not achieve reading proficiency will be required to attend summer academies, with promotion contingent on their performance in these programs.

Key changes include the requirement for school districts to notify parents about their child's reading progress and the establishment of a Student Reading Proficiency Team to create individual intervention plans. The bill also introduces stricter retention policies for third-grade students who do not participate in summer academies or fail to meet grade-level targets, allowing for an additional opportunity to meet these targets before the next school year. If they still do not meet the criteria, promotion to the fourth grade will require written consent from a parent or legal guardian. The legislation emphasizes the importance of parental notification regarding reading deficiencies and outlines the responsibilities of the State Department of Education in providing support and reporting on the effectiveness of the Strong Readers Act. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, with an emergency clause for immediate implementation upon passage.

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