SF 4477 Summary

• Education Finance Increases: Raises basic education formula allowance from $6,863 to $7,425 for fiscal year 2023, with adjustments tied to inflation for subsequent years

• Reading Instruction Reform: Requires science-of-reading based instruction in kindergarten through grade 3; mandates dyslexia screening and reading intervention programs; establishes teacher training requirements by 2027

• Student Support Expansion: Allocates $19.4 million for student support personnel aid (counselors, psychologists, nurses, social workers); funds $6 million for school-linked behavioral health grants and $9.98 million for school-based mental health screening

• Early Childhood and Nutrition Programs: Expands voluntary public prekindergarten to mixed-delivery providers (Head Start, licensed childcare); provides free meals to all students; increases literacy coaching and professional development funding

• Teacher Workforce Development: Establishes "Grow Your Own" programs for teacher recruitment and early childhood educator training; provides retention bonuses for new teachers; funds educator career pathways for secondary students