The House passed a comprehensive early literacy bill, sponsored by Rep. Terri Collins, that would establish the necessary teacher and student supports to ensure students read proficiently by the end of third grade.

“All students deserve the chance to succeed in life. Achieving grade level reading is the foundation that will determine that success. I would like to thank Rep. Terri Collins and A+ Education Partnership for championing this legislation and prioritizing Alabama’s students and their pathway to learn, graduate and succeed.”

Nathan Hoffman, Regional Legislative Director, ExcelinEd in Action

Highlights of HB 388:

• Teacher training and preparation programs based on the science of reading
• Early identification of students having reading difficulties

• Comprehensive reading interventions for K-3 students identified with a reading difficulty and needing more help to become successful readers

• Additional time and specialized instructional supports struggling readers need to catch up and succeed in fourth grade and beyond

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.

For more on the critical importance of early literacy, visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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The new law raises expectations, increases transparency and provides teacher support around the READ Act.

“The research is crystal clear: Students who leave third grade unable to read at grade level face dramatically longer odds of graduating high school and embarking on a successful, well-paying career.

“Thanks to bipartisan leadership from Colorado Senators Nancy Todd and Bob Rankin, Representatives Julie McCluskie and James Wilson, this legislation puts the focus on the classroom, teachers and helps students have the critical reading skills they need to be successful in school and in life.”

Tom Greene, Senior Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action

Senate Bill 199 does the following:

• School districts must create a systematic performance plan that outlines how the district is coordinating and aligning services, interventions and professional development based on the science of reading to help struggling readers;
• Creates an approved list of evidence-based reading programs, technologies to help with assessment, and professional development for teachers;
• Ensures schools provide struggling readers a minimum amount of uninterrupted instruction time that is research-based;
• Ensures school districts publicly report formative and summative academic achievement data for their struggling readers;
• Requires a third-party evaluator to determine which districts are making progress and districts that need more support;
• Creates a new required reading certification for teachers and support staff based on the science of reading. This new certification should align teacher preparation, professional development and support centered on the five pillars of reading instruction: phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension; and
• Creates a public awareness campaign to encourage community engagement and partnerships with local libraries.

For more on the importance of early literacy, visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

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Last night, Arizona lawmakers gave final approval to several improvements to the Move On When Reading law, the state’s comprehensive K-3 reading law that ensures students receive intensive interventions when needed and demonstrate sufficient reading skills by the end of third grade.

Highlights of HB 2520, sponsored by Rep. Doug Coleman:

• Requires schools to use evidence-based strategies to support struggling readers in grades K-3
• Strengthens teacher training requirements for reading instruction
• Ensures early literacy funds are used in a targeted way to expand, enhance and support the components of a school’s reading plan

“A strong reading program, beginning in kindergarten and continuing into third grade and beyond, gives students the best possible chance to maximize their education. ExcelinEd in Action thanks Gov. Doug Ducey, Rep. Coleman and Stand for Children for prioritizing Arizona’s students and their pathway to successfully learn, graduate and earn.”

Alexandra Dominguez, ExcelinEd in Action Regional Legislative Director

The bill now goes to Gov. Doug Ducey for his signature.

For more information on the importance of early literacy, please visit the ExcelinEd policy library.

The post Arizona Legislature Increases Early Literacy Support for Students appeared first on ExcelinEd in Action.

Last night, Sen. Lou Ann Linehan proposed, and lawmakers accepted, an amendment to LB 1081 that would address early literacy issues.  Nebraska’s lawmakers will vote on the bill two more times before sending it to the Governor for signature.

Studies show that children who are not reading on grade level by fourth grade are four times more likely to drop out of school, and high school dropouts are not eligible for 90 percent of the jobs in this economy.

Highlights of Sen. Linehan’s early literacy amendment:

• Creates early literacy screening to identify students with potential reading difficulties.
• Notification is required for parents of students identified with a reading difficulty in K-3.
• Individual reading plans would be developed with parents/guardians that prescribe research-based reading interventions that will be provided to the student.
• Parents will receive reading strategies to support their children at home.

Offers access to summer reading camps for struggling readers.

“All students deserve the chance to succeed in life, and achieving reading proficiency is the foundation that will determine that success. I want to thank Governor Pete Ricketts, Senators Lou Ann Linehan, Patty Pansing Brooks and so many more for prioritizing Nebraska’s students and their pathway to learn, graduate and earn.”

Kim Preston, ExcelinEd in Action Regional Legislative Director

For more information on the importance of early literacy, please visit the ExcelinEd policy library and read Gov. Ricketts’ column here.

The post Nebraska’s Youngest Students Receive Boost Toward Being “Ready Readers” appeared first on ExcelinEd in Action.

House Bill 3540, sponsored by Representative Chad Caldwell, builds upon the state’s existing School District Transparency Act to require the Department of Education to include district and school-level revenue and expenditure data on its website. Additionally, it requires local school districts to link to this data on their websites. This ensures financial data is easily accessible for parents, school leaders and members of the community. It will also promote resource effectiveness, school empowerment and fairness.

“When parents, community members, school leaders and policymakers are informed about how funds are spent at each school, they can make better decisions about how to allocate resources to drive student success. They can compare how spending on key activities compares to similar schools that are getting better results to make adjustments.

ExcelinEd in Action would like to thank Representative Chad Caldwell, Senator Stanislawski and the Oklahoma State Chamber for championing and supporting this issue.”

Alexandra Dominguez, ExcelinEd in Action Regional Legislative Director 

The bill heads to the Senate for consideration. The companion bill, Senate Bill 1199, unanimously passed the Senate last week.

For more information on financial transparency, visit ExcelinEd’s policy library.

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