Senate Bill 2572 Summary

• Authorizes the State Department of Education to conduct a reading intervention pilot program in "C" level or low-performing school districts using data coaches and partnering with four-year institutions of higher learning that have literacy centers.

• Establishes a statewide Kindergarten Readiness Assessment program to provide baseline data on students at the beginning of kindergarten, with results reported to parents and the State Superintendent.

• Requires initial elementary education teachers to earn a passing score on a rigorous test of scientifically research-based reading instruction and intervention by July 1, 2016.

• Creates a Middle School Dropout Prevention and Recovery Pilot Program in select "D" and "F" rated school districts, operated by approved nonprofit or for-profit education partners, with flexible scheduling, vocational technology, and individualized graduation plans.

• Directs the State Board of Education to develop an alternative accountability method for pilot program districts that measures academic growth through pre- and post-testing over 120-day enrollment periods, effective 2014-2015 school year.