HB 2520 Summary

• Requires all teacher certificate applicants to complete minimum 45 classroom hours or 3 college-level credit hours in systemic phonics instruction and reading instruction including assessments and interventions.

• Establishes early literacy program fund administered by the Department of Education to award funding to eligible schools (at least 90% free/reduced lunch students) on a per-pupil basis for evidence-based reading strategies, literacy coaches, and kindergarten readiness assessments.

• Mandates third-grade reading retention unless students demonstrate sufficient reading skills or qualify for exemptions including English learners with less than 2 years instruction, students in special education referral/evaluation, or those with diagnosed reading impairments like dyslexia.

• Requires school districts and charter schools to implement evidence-based reading interventions for retained third-graders including assignment to different teacher, summer school, intensive instruction, and small group instruction; requires annual reporting on promotion/retention numbers.

• Terminates K-3 reading program on July 1, 2022 and early literacy program fund on July 1, 2025 pursuant to sunset laws.