Bill > S2940

This bill aims to improve early literacy education by establishing new requirements and resources for school districts. It mandates that school districts select and implement high-quality literacy curricula for kindergarten through grade 3 that are based on "evidence-based literacy instruction," which means teaching methods backed by scientific research and proven to improve reading skills, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bill also creates an "Early Literacy Fund" to support the development and implementation of a free, high-quality curriculum, provide grants to districts for updating materials and professional development, and fund reporting and assessment requirements. Furthermore, it requires districts to screen students for potential learning disabilities like dyslexia, implement approved reading assessments at least twice a year, and inform parents of screening results and the school's plan to address any identified needs. The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to develop guidelines, approve curricula and professional development programs, and collect and report data on literacy instruction and student progress, with specific timelines for implementation and reporting.

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S2940