LA HB316

Establishes adolescent literacy requirements for grades 4-8, requiring public schools to assess students who scored below mastery in English language arts within the first 30 days of each school year and provide intensive interventions for those with reading deficiencies

Requires the Louisiana Department of Education to develop an adolescent literacy program, approve reading assessments, and create professional development courses for teachers on science-based reading instruction

Mandates that teacher education programs for special education and secondary education candidates include instruction on adolescent literacy skills, effective beginning with the 2027-2028 academic year

Requires public schools to develop individual reading improvement plans within 30 days for students identified with reading deficiencies, with parent notification within 15 days of identification and ongoing progress reports

Requires public schools to submit adolescent literacy skills plans to the Department of Education beginning September 1, 2026, and every three years thereafter, with full implementation of most provisions starting in the 2027-2028 school year