HF3744 Summary

• Modifies the "Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act" (Read Act) to require evidence-based literacy instruction excluding the three-cueing system, with districts providing training to teachers by July 1, 2025 for priority staff and July 1, 2027 for others.

• Requires districts to screen students in kindergarten through grade 3 three times yearly (beginning, midyear, end) for foundational reading skills and dyslexia characteristics using Department of Education-approved tools.

• Establishes a special revenue fund "Read Act program account" for unobligated appropriations and ongoing funding, with money annually appropriated to the commissioner for curriculum, training, and program implementation.

• Appropriates $100,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 including $23,000,000 for substitute teachers and teacher incentives, $10,000,000 for regional literacy networks, $4,200,000 for CAREI partnerships, and $3,000,000 for curriculum reimbursement.

• Creates an accessibility working group to increase access to evidence-based literacy training and curriculum by January 15, 2025, and requires PELSB to audit teacher preparation programs for reading standards compliance by January 15, 2025 and August 1, 2026.