HB 6606 Summary

• Amends the revised school code to modify early literacy and reading intervention requirements for grades K-3, including approval of multiple valid reading assessment systems and establishment of early literacy coach positions.

• Requires school districts and public school academies to select one approved reading assessment system and assess students in grades K-3 at least 3 times per year, with first assessment within the first 30 school days.

• Establishes mandatory reading intervention programs for students with identified reading deficiencies, including intensive instruction in 5 major reading components: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Implements grade 3 reading retention policy beginning in 2019-2020 school year, prohibiting promotion to grade 4 unless student achieves grade 3 reading proficiency on state assessment, alternative standardized assessment, or pupil portfolio, with limited good cause exemptions available.

• Requires schools to screen students in grades K-3 for dyslexia characteristics and provide dyslexia-specific intervention and accommodations under Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act when functional difficulties are identified.