MO SB1442

Requires teacher education programs to include training in evidence-based reading instruction components (phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology, syntax) and prohibits instruction in the "three-cueing system model"

Beginning in the 2027-28 school year, mandates retention in third grade for students with substantial reading deficiencies who do not meet minimum cutscore on statewide English language arts assessment, unless they qualify for good cause exemptions

Good cause exemptions from retention include students with IEPs indicating statewide assessment is inappropriate, students with disabilities who received intensive reading intervention for 2+ years, English language learners with fewer than 2 years of instruction, and students already retained once in K-3

Creates the "Evidence-based Reading Instruction Program Fund" to reimburse districts for literacy improvement efforts, and establishes $500 per-student payments to districts when students identified with reading deficiencies in K-3 subsequently score proficient on 4th grade assessments

Establishes Department of Elementary and Secondary Education annual compliance reviews of educator preparation programs beginning July 1, 2027, with non-compliant programs losing authority to certify new teachers