OH HB55

Establishes deadline of September 30 for reading skills assessment completion for students in grades 1-3, and November 1 for kindergarten students starting in the 2012-2013 school year.

Beginning with 2013-2014 school year, prohibits promotion to fourth grade for any student who fails to achieve required reading level unless student qualifies for specific exemptions (limited English proficient, special education, alternative assessment, or intensive remediation).

Requires school districts to develop reading improvement and monitoring plans within 60 days of diagnostic assessment results, involving parents and classroom teachers in the planning process.

Mandates retained students receive intensive reading instruction with minimum 90 minutes per day, which may include small group instruction, tutoring, extended school day/week/year, and summer reading camps.

Requires retained third-grade students be assigned teachers meeting specific qualifications including reading endorsement, master's degree in reading, alternative credentials in reading instruction, or demonstrated effectiveness in reading instruction.