AL SB4

Postpones implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act's third grade retention requirement from the 2021-2022 school year to the 2023-2024 school year.

Beginning in 2023-2024, third grade students must demonstrate sufficient reading skills to be promoted to fourth grade, with options including state assessment scores, alternative standardized assessments, or student reading portfolios.

Requires comprehensive core reading programs based on reading science for all K-3 students, reading intervention services for students with deficiencies, and parent notification within 15 school days of identification.

Establishes summer reading camps with minimum 70 hours of instruction for K-3 students with reading deficiencies and the Alabama Summer Achievement Program for students in lowest-performing schools.

Permits good cause exemptions from retention for specific categories including students with disabilities, English language learners with less than two years of instruction, and students who received intensive intervention for two or more years.