MO HB2872

Establishes the "Missouri Reading Screener" for grades 1-3, administered three times annually, with students scored as "at risk," "approaching expectations," "meets expectations," or "exceeds expectations"

Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, third-grade students with substantial reading deficiencies must be retained unless they pass a summer retest or qualify for good cause exemptions (disabilities with IEPs/504 plans, English language learners under 2 years, or prior retention)

Prohibits educator preparation programs from teaching the "three-cueing system" (MSV model) as an instructional strategy for decoding, and requires the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to annually review program compliance starting July 1, 2027

Requires schools to provide intensive reading instruction, summer reading programs, and "read at home" parental contracts for students with reading deficiencies, with mandatory parent notification within 30 days of identification

Creates the "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" to reimburse districts for teacher training in structured literacy, tutoring programs, summer reading programs, and parent resources