HB 6620 Summary

• Each local and regional board of education must implement an approved reading curriculum model for grades prekindergarten through 5 starting July 1, 2023, focused on five key reading competencies: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary development, and reading comprehension.

• Establishes a Center for Literacy Research and Reading Success to approve at least five evidence-based reading curriculum models by July 1, 2022, and oversee implementation, assessment, and professional development in reading instruction.

• Defines "opportunity gaps" as significant disparities in academic performance among and between racial groups, ethnic groups, socioeconomic groups, genders, and English language learners versus native English speakers.

• Requires the Department of Education to compile approved reading assessments by January 1, 2022 for use in kindergarten through grade 5 to identify students below reading proficiency.

• Mandates that local and regional boards of education in alliance districts implement intensive reading instruction programs including supplemental instruction, reading remediation plans, summer reading programs, and parent engagement strategies to close opportunity gaps.