Bill > SB1067

This bill mandates that the State Board of Education, by April 30, 2027, will appoint an independent panel of experts to create an approved list of screening instruments designed to identify kindergarten and first and second-grade pupils experiencing math difficulties, ensuring these tools are evidence-based and culturally and linguistically appropriate. The panel must vote to approve this list by January 31, 2028, following criteria established by the State Board, and the list will include assessments for both English and non-English speaking students. Local educational agencies (LEAs), which include school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools, must adopt at least one of these approved screening instruments by June 30, 2028, and begin assessing all kindergarten and first and second-grade students for math difficulties by the 2028-29 school year, unless a parent or guardian opts out in writing. These LEAs will also be required to report data on identified math difficulties to the State Department of Education annually starting July 15, 2029. The bill defines "math difficulties" as not demonstrating foundational math skills for the respective grade level and clarifies that these screenings are not for determining eligibility for special education services but can inform recommendations for further evaluation.