HB1523 Summary

• Removes the requirement for probationary promotion evaluations for third-grade students in the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years, making such evaluations available for all subsequent school years instead.

• Beginning with the 2015-16 school year, students scoring at unsatisfactory levels on third-grade reading assessments who are not exempt for good cause or previously promoted on probation shall be retained in third grade and receive intensive reading services.

• Requires retained students receive a minimum of 90 minutes daily of uninterrupted, science-based reading instruction, high-performing teachers, and supports including tutoring, reduced class ratios, or mentoring programs.

• Establishes midyear promotion policies allowing retained students to advance if they demonstrate grade-level reading proficiency prior to November 1 with parent and principal agreement.

• Mandates school districts annually report promotion and retention data by grade to the State Department of Education, with public disclosure of aggregate and district-specific numbers.