HF 3811 Summary

• Establishes that public schools must promote foundational literacy and grade-level reading proficiency using curriculum, instructional materials, and teacher training based solely on the science of reading.

• Requires applicants for Tier 3 and Tier 4 elementary education licenses to pass an examination or performance assessment demonstrating knowledge, skill, and ability to teach the science of reading.

• Appropriates $35,000,000 for fiscal year 2024 and $50,000,000 for fiscal year 2025 to reimburse school districts, charter schools, and cooperative units for evidence-based structured literacy curriculum and intervention materials purchased after July 1, 2021.

• Mandates that all teacher preparation programs approved for elementary education include required instruction in understanding and applying the science of reading, with board audits of compliance due by September 1, 2024.

• Requires all state testing centers to provide monthly untimed examination opportunities and equitable access measures including fee waivers for federal grant recipients, free practice tests and study guides, and exams in languages other than English for language immersion programs.