SF4113 Summary

• Establishes a statewide reading proficiency goal requiring 90 percent of third grade students to achieve grade-level reading proficiency for school years 2023-2024 through 2028-2029, with school boards adopting comprehensive plans to support this goal.

• Reorganizes regional centers of excellence to prioritize reading instruction using scientifically based research, requiring centers to be led by LETRS-certified reading professionals including literacy specialists and a dyslexia specialist employed by the Department of Education.

• Requires elementary education teacher preparation programs beginning February 1, 2026, to include instruction in the Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) program and mandates instruction on dyslexia for early childhood, elementary, special education, and reading intervention teacher candidates.

• Appropriates $30 million for fiscal year 2023 to provide LETRS training to licensed teachers with priority for kindergarten through grade 5 teachers, with funds available until June 30, 2025, and extended until June 30, 2027, for teachers already enrolled.

• Allocates $1 million in fiscal year 2022 and $1.7 million in fiscal year 2023 for regional centers of excellence, with $700,000 in fiscal year 2023 designated for regional literacy support directors.