S.F. No. 1273 - The Read Act

• Requires school districts to adopt local literacy plans with evidence-based reading instruction aligned with structured literacy principles by August 1 each year, including screeners, curriculum, interventions, and professional development needs.

• Mandates districts identify students not reading at grade level by end of kindergarten through grade 2, screen them for dyslexia characteristics, and provide reading interventions using structured literacy methods until students reach grade level.

• Establishes literacy specialists and literacy trainers as required positions; districts must employ or contract with a literacy trainer by August 30, 2025, to support implementation of reading instruction and interventions.

• Creates a 16-member Read Act Implementation Advisory Council appointed by the governor to review and advise on approved curricula, screeners, and professional development programs; council expires June 30, 2025.

• Appropriates $70 million for 2024-2025: $40 million for evidence-based literacy instructional materials grants and $30 million annually for teacher professional development training on structured literacy.