HB 1864 Summary

• Amends the Oklahoma Bridge to Literacy Program (70 O.S. Supp. 2012, Section 1210.516) to improve reading skills for children up through fourth grade through before-school, after-school, Saturday, and summer programs.

• Clarifies that the State Department of Education reviews grant applications for compliance with established requirements and forwards qualified applications to the State Board of Education for competitive award decisions.

• Eligible private entities include nonprofit organizations exempt from federal taxation, community-based programs with community participation, and churches or religious organizations.

• Approved reading programs must include diagnostic assessments and focus on reading skills including phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Effective July 1, 2013, with emergency clause for immediate implementation; requires State Board of Education to submit annual reports beginning June 30, 2013, containing program descriptions, grant amounts awarded, number of children served, and achievement data.