Bill > HB2914

This bill aims to enhance literacy among elementary school students by establishing new standards and programs for reading instruction and teacher preparation. It mandates that teacher training programs must include specific coursework and clinical experience in the core components of reading, such as phonemic awareness and phonics, as well as training on selecting high-quality reading materials and interpreting assessments. The bill also creates the "Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation" (MABEP) to advise on educator preparation programs and requires annual reporting on program compliance with literacy instruction standards. A key provision is the establishment of the "Missouri Universal Reading Literacy Assessment" for students in kindergarten through third grade, which will be used to identify reading deficiencies and inform reading success plans. Students identified with a substantial reading deficiency at the end of third grade will generally be retained unless they meet specific retesting criteria or qualify for a good cause exemption, which includes students with disabilities, English language learners, and those already retained. The bill also establishes the "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" to support various literacy initiatives, including teacher training, tutoring, and summer reading programs, and provides funding for districts when students identified with deficiencies achieve proficiency by fourth grade. Furthermore, it requires schools to provide intensive reading instruction and support for students with reading deficiencies or dyslexia, and to involve parents in their child's reading development. Finally, the bill mandates that school districts report annually on their retention and promotion policies, the prevalence of reading deficiencies, and the number of students retained or promoted with good cause exemptions.