FL S0976

Creates new law requiring students in kindergarten through grade 3 reading below grade level be placed in intensive reading labs with a maximum student-teacher ratio of 5:1 staffed by certified reading specialists

Intensive reading labs must provide 2 hours daily of tutoring and remediation; students are reassessed mid-year and year-end with removal from the lab if reading at or above grade level

School principals are encouraged to solicit donations from taxpayers and community members for instructional materials including books and computer technology for reading lab students

Requires principals to create teaching teams for grades 1-3 with at least one-third expertise in reading instruction, plus distributed expertise in science/math and social science; reading instruction training must occur outside regular school hours

Mandates that beginning July 1, 2012, at least one teacher from each expertise area teaches a minimum of 2 hours daily in each grades 1-3 classroom; prior to that date, principals are encouraged to implement this staffing model