Section 2903 - Preventing early school failure; reading instruction(a) Statement of policy. The ability to read is critical to success in learning. Children who fail to read by the end of the first grade will likely fall further behind in school. The personal and economic costs of reading failure are enormous both while the student remains in school and long afterward. All students need to receive systematic and explicit evidence-based reading instruction in the early grades from a teacher who is skilled in teaching the foundational components of reading , including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students who require supplemental instruction tailored to the unique difficulties encountered shall be provided those additional supports by an appropriately trained education professional.(b) Foundation for literacy.(1) The Agency of Education, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, the Agency of Human Services, higher education, literacy organizations, and others, shall develop a plan for establishing a comprehensive system of services for early education in public schools that offer instruction in grades kindergarten through grade three to ensure that all students learn to read by the end of the third grade. The plan shall be updated at least once every five years following its initial submission in 1998.(2) Approved independent schools that are eligible to receive public tuition shall develop a grade-level appropriate school literacy plan that is informed by student needs and assessment data. The plan may include identification of a literacy vision, goals, and priorities and shall address the following topics: (A) measures and indicators;(B) screening, assessment, instruction and intervention, and progress monitoring, consistent with section 2907 of this title; and(C) professional learning activities consistent with section 1710 of this title.(c) Reading instruction. A public school or approved independent school that is eligible to receive public tuition that offers instruction in grades kindergarten, one, two, or three shall provide systematic and explicit evidence-based reading instruction to all students. In addition, such schools shall provide supplemental reading instruction to any enrolled student whose reading proficiency falls below proficiency standards for the student's grade level or whose reading proficiency prevents progress in school.
Schools shall provide support and information to the parents and legal guardians of such students regarding the student's current level of reading proficiency, which shall be based on valid and reliable assessments.
Amended by 2024, No. 139,§ 5, eff. 5/30/2024.Added 1997, No. 60, § 9, eff. 6/26/1997; amended 2009 , No. 44, § 40, eff. 5/21/2009.