SB349 Summary

• Prohibits public school districts and open-enrollment charter schools from using three-cueing system model, visual memory as primary basis for word recognition, or MSV (meaning, structure, syntax, visual) reading models for kindergarten through grade 2 instruction beginning in the 2023-2024 school year

• Requires state board notification of violations and allows schools 60 days to remedy non-compliance; failure to comply results in withholding up to 10% of monthly state foundation funding aid until compliance is achieved

• Creates an Education Ombudsman position within the Department of Education to enforce Right to Read Act requirements including proficiency standards, professional development, and permitted instructional programs

• Establishes minimum qualifications of a master's degree in education or related field for the Ombudsman; prohibits current or former school district superintendents from serving in the role

• Requires the Ombudsman to submit annual reports to the state board and biennial reports to House and Senate Education Committees regarding work performed and recommendations