Bill Summary: Senate Bill 380

• Changes the Oklahoma Bridge to Literacy Program to serve students from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, expanding from the previous grade range.

• Requires reading instruction to focus on PASS (Priority Academic Student Skills) mastery and cover phonological awareness, phonics, spelling, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

• Eligible service providers include nonprofits (501(c)(3) exempt), community-based programs, and religious organizations that meet State Board of Education requirements.

• State Department of Education must issue annual requests for proposals (by October 1) and the Board shall award competitive grants by February 1 each year.

• Effective July 1, 2013, with emergency provisions declared for immediate implementation.