Bill > HB2660

This bill allocates $8.6 million to the State Board of Regents for the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, a plan to improve reading education. It expands reporting requirements under the Every Child Can Read Act to include more data on students at risk of literacy deficits and requires the State Department of Education to report to the governor, legislature, and State Board of Education by October 1st annually. The bill also mandates that members of the Literacy Advisory Committee possess specific expertise in areas like evidence-based literacy practices and the science of reading, and it aligns literacy fluency goals with the State Board of Education's assessment cut scores. Furthermore, school districts will be required to employ reading specialists in elementary schools starting in the 2029-2030 school year and develop individual student literacy plans for students in kindergarten through third grade identified as high-risk, with these plans including at least 90 minutes of targeted intervention per week. The State Board of Education is tasked with designating best literacy practices based on the science of reading, prohibiting discredited methods like the three-cueing system, and incorporating a literacy practicum into teacher licensure requirements, including specific clock hours for general education and reading specialist candidates. Educator preparation programs will need to demonstrate that teacher candidates master literacy assessment tools and evidence-based practices, and the State Board of Regents and State Board of Education will jointly oversee the development of a comprehensive literacy implementation plan for all grade levels, including educator preparation, professional learning, instructional materials, and family resources. Finally, the bill repeals existing sections related to the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy and expands the definition of terms like "literacy practicum" and "science of reading" to reflect current understanding and best practices in literacy education.

Budget and Finance

Education (H)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2660/