HB1268 Summary

• Requires public schools and open-enrollment charter schools to include a literacy plan in annual school-level improvement plans aligned with the science of reading and literacy needs of the district beginning May 1, 2018.

• Mandates professional development in scientific reading instruction for elementary teachers (K-6), special education teachers (K-12), and reading specialists (K-12) to obtain a proficiency credential, with other licensed teachers required to obtain an awareness credential beginning with the 2018-2019 school year.

• Requires the Department of Education to create by the 2020-2021 school year an approved list of curriculum programs, dyslexia programs, and reading intervention programs supported by the science of reading and based on explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic instruction.

• Mandates that by the 2021-2022 school year, any public school district or charter school purchasing curriculum must choose from the department's approved list or submit alternative programs with rationale and evidence-based research for department approval.

• Establishes penalties for non-compliance including probationary status for schools failing to provide required professional development, and potential revocation of approval status for educator preparation programs.