This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for literacy screening assessments and interventions for students in kindergarten through fifth grade in Wyoming. It mandates that each school district implement literacy screening assessments three times a year to identify students at risk for reading difficulties, including conditions such as dyslexia. The bill requires the development of individualized reading plans for students identified as high risk, contingent upon parental consent, and stipulates that literacy interventions must not interfere with core instructional time. Additionally, school districts are tasked with maintaining records of interventions and progress monitoring data, and they must report annually on their progress toward achieving an 80% low-risk literacy proficiency goal for students in grades K-3.

The legislation also emphasizes the importance of professional development for educators, requiring those who teach in grades K-5 to complete a specified number of hours in evidence-based literacy instruction until they obtain certain endorsements. Furthermore, it introduces new requirements for the Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board to establish structured literacy and dyslexia specialist endorsements by the 2027-2028 school year. The bill repeals the existing reading assessment and intervention program and replaces it with a multi-tiered system of support literacy programming. Overall, the act aims to enhance literacy outcomes for students across the state through structured assessments, targeted interventions, and improved educator training.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 21-2-802, 21-3-110, 21-3-401