H.B. No. 3583 aims to enhance reading instruction and intervention for public school students in Texas, particularly those in kindergarten through grade three. The bill amends Section 28.006 of the Education Code, introducing new procedures for administering reading instruments, which must now include components such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. It establishes that school districts and open-enrollment charter schools cannot administer a reading instrument to a student more than three times in a school year. Additionally, the bill mandates that reading interventions be provided to students identified as needing assistance, ensuring that these interventions are targeted, monitored, and delivered by qualified educators.

The bill also introduces a new section, 28.0063, which requires school districts or open-enrollment charter schools to contract with private tutoring services for students who demonstrate reading deficiencies over two consecutive school years, with a cost cap of $1,000 per student. Furthermore, it amends Section 29.1543 to require annual reports on early education that include data on diagnostic reading instruments and student performance. The bill repeals certain existing provisions and is set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, contingent upon legislative approval for immediate effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Education Code 28.006, Education Code 29.1543 (Education Code 28, Education Code 29)