Bill > SB66

This bill, titled "School grade promotion & retention," aims to establish new policies for student promotion and retention, particularly focusing on reading proficiency in early grades and academic proficiency in later grades. Key provisions include requiring public schools to establish baseline reading proficiency data for students in kindergarten through third grade, and starting with the 2015-2016 school year, school districts must provide intervention and remediation programs for students in these grades who do not demonstrate reading proficiency, as determined by screening assessments. A "student assistance team," composed of teachers, counselors, administrators, parents, and potentially a student advocate, will develop individualized "reading improvement plans" for students struggling with reading. Starting in the 2016-2017 school year, promotion from third grade will be contingent on reading proficiency, with students not proficient offered remediation, and potentially retained for one year if they remain deficient. For grades four through eight, promotion decisions will be based on overall academic proficiency, with intervention and remediation plans developed for students who are not proficient, and parents will be notified and consulted. The bill also outlines specific requirements for assessing student growth, the cost of summer school and extended day programs for high school students, and alternative placement for students who repeatedly fail to demonstrate reading proficiency. Exemptions from certain provisions are made for students with disabilities, English language learners, and students who have already been retained once in kindergarten through second grade.