SB 1239 Summary

• Directs the state board of education to issue a request for proposals and select one educational technology provider to deliver research-based reading intervention software for kindergarten through 3rd grade students scoring "falls far below" on the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) reading test.

• Requires the software to include instruction in phonics, phonemic awareness, vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency aligned to Common Core standards, with internal assessments, immediate feedback, remediation, and grade-level digital books for independent reading practice.

• Mandates the software be user-friendly with tutorials, provide real-time reports for teachers and parents in students' primary language, include on-site technical support within 24 hours, and receive content and technology updates at least annually.

• Requires the Arizona Auditor General to conduct annual financial audits of the program and the state board to submit annual reports to the governor and legislature detailing participation rates and program effectiveness by December 31.

• Appropriates $30,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal year 2013-2014 to the state board of education for payment to the selected educational technology provider.