By a vote of 31-6,
the Senate passed a modified version of the third grade-reading bill that
cleared the Senate Education Committee earlier this week.
HB
4822 saw changes on General Orders that included adding “evidence-based”
testing for comprehensive core reading programs and strategies for students.
The bill also includes new language on public school academy use of an early
literacy coach. Committee Chair Senator Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) commented
there will be an appropriation to help fund districts, but is unsure of
specifics.
The Senate version
included exemptions allowing pupils to advance to fourth grade, even if they
fail to meet one of the three criteria to do so. Students can show third grade
reading levels on an alternative assessment approved by the Superintendent of Public
Instruction or through a portfolio. This addition is the key difference between
the House and Senate versions of the bill. Parents can also apply for a “good
cause” exemption to the district’s superintendent or the principal. Reading
teachers can also advance the student if they agree other evaluations of the
pupil’s skills show he or she is academically prepared.
The newest version of
the bill heads to the House so members can concur with the changes made.