HB3131 Summary

• Amends the School Code to create a pilot program for Direct Instruction teaching method in public elementary schools with 30% or greater student mobility rates.

• Defines "Direct Instruction" as the Direct Instructional System for Teaching Arithmetic and Reading (DISTAR), created in 1977 with a U.S. Office of Education grant.

• Eligible schools may apply for and receive annual grants to implement the Direct Instruction teaching method, subject to state appropriation.

• Grant-recipient schools must annually report to the State Board of Education on the effectiveness of Direct Instruction in improving students' math and reading abilities.

• The State Board of Education must submit annual findings and recommendations to the General Assembly based on school reports and may adopt necessary rules to implement the program.