HB220 Summary

• Establishes the Literacy Task Force to recommend comprehensive core reading programs, teacher development standards, and vetted reading assessments; task force meets at least twice yearly with diverse representation from teachers, dyslexia specialists, administrators, and education leaders.

• Requires local education agencies to offer approved comprehensive core reading programs based on science of reading to K-3 students beginning 2022-2023 school year, with lowest performing schools required to purchase programs fully aligned to science of reading.

• Mandates third grade students demonstrate sufficient reading skills through one of three options: scoring above lowest achievement level on state assessment, earning acceptable score on supplemental standardized assessment, or demonstrating mastery through student reading portfolio.

• Establishes good cause exemptions from mandatory third grade retention limited to students with disabilities (IEP exceptions), English language learners with less than three years instruction, and students receiving two-plus years of intensive intervention who still demonstrate deficiency; no student retained more than twice in K-3.

• Requires local education agencies to provide summer reading camps (minimum 60 hours instruction) for identified K-3 students with reading deficiencies and submit annual reports to State Superintendent on reading proficiency, dyslexia screening, and student retention data.