Bill > HB0142

This bill establishes a comprehensive literacy screening assessment and intervention program for students in kindergarten through fifth grade across Wyoming schools, aiming to identify and address reading difficulties early. It mandates that school districts implement specific literacy screening assessments, evidence-based interventions, and core literacy instruction, with assessments administered multiple times a year to students in kindergarten through third grade and to fourth and fifth graders who did not meet proficiency standards on previous state English language arts assessments. Parents will be notified of screening results, and students identified as high-risk for reading difficulties will be placed in intensive, evidence-based intervention programs with individualized reading plans, requiring parental consent. The bill also requires schools to maintain records of interventions, provides for professional development for educators in evidence-based literacy practices, and mandates that school districts employ or consult with individuals holding specific literacy endorsements, such as a structured literacy certificate or dyslexia specialist endorsement, by 2029. Furthermore, schools not meeting an 80% goal for students scoring low risk for reading difficulties by the end of third grade will be required to submit improvement plans, with the state superintendent having the authority to impose corrective actions if improvement is not shown over consecutive years. The Wyoming Professional Teaching Standards Board will also be tasked with establishing new structured literacy and dyslexia specialist certificate endorsements. This legislation repeals the existing reading assessment and intervention program and applies to the school year beginning in 2026-2027.

https://www.wyoleg.gov/Legislation/2026/HB0142