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 include ensuring the validity and reliability of results, diagnosing reading development, and identifying students at risk for dyslexia. It establishes that a school district or open-enrollment charter school cannot administer a reading instrument to a student more than three times in a school year. Additionally, the bill mandates that reading instruments must cover foundational literacy components and allows for the adoption of a multidimensional assessment tool for kindergarten students. The commissioner is tasked with prioritizing instruments that minimize instructional time impact and provide timely results.

Furthermore, the bill requires school districts to provide reading intervention to students identified as needing assistance and to notify parents or guardians about the interventions available. It also introduces provisions for contracting private tutoring services for students who continue to struggle with reading deficiencies. The bill emphasizes the importance of high-quality instructional materials and mandates that interventions be implemented during regular school hours. The changes are set to take effect in the 2025-2026 school year, with the potential for immediate implementation if passed by a two-thirds majority in both houses of the legislature.

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