Bill > SB517

This bill expands reporting requirements for the "Every Child Can Read Act" and amends the "Kansas Blueprint for Literacy" to enhance literacy education and reporting across the state. Key provisions include requiring school districts to employ licensed reading specialists in elementary schools, develop individual student literacy plans for high-risk students in kindergarten through third grade, and implement specific intervention strategies. The bill also mandates that the State Board of Education designate "best literacy practices" based on the "science of reading" (an evidence-based understanding of how people learn to read and write) and "structured literacy" (a systematic, explicit approach to teaching reading and writing), and include a literacy practicum in teacher licensure requirements. Furthermore, it requires educator preparation programs to demonstrate competency in evidence-based literacy instruction, establishes a comprehensive literacy implementation plan, and ensures that members of the literacy advisory committee possess relevant expertise in areas like dyslexia research and intervention. The bill also aims to align literacy fluency goals with the State Board of Education's assessment cut scores and requires more detailed reporting from school districts and the state department of education on student literacy progress and interventions.

Education

Ways and Means (Senate)

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb517/