ID H0637

State board shall review teacher preparation programs at higher education institutions to ensure course offerings align with the state board-approved "Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Plan" and may allocate funds for program revisions.

Higher education institutions must develop a single preservice assessment measure for all kindergarten through grade twelve teacher preparation programs that demonstrates teaching skills and knowledge of reading practices, phonics, phonemic awareness, and diagnostic tools.

Each institution must annually report to the state board of education the number of preservice teachers who have passed the assessment, with the state board compiling statewide results for reporting to the legislature and governor.

Teachers employed in kindergarten through grade eight, Title I, or special education must complete three credits (45 contact hours) of a state-approved "Idaho Comprehensive Literacy Course" to recertify, with exceptions for those who pass the preservice reading assessment or teach secondary subjects not involving reading or writing.

School district boards must include in their in-service training plans coursework covering reading skills development, diagnostic tools, and ability to identify students needing special reading help, with plans submitted to the state department of education for approval.