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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, First Regular Session
kindergarten; survey; report.
Purpose
Requires the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) to conduct an annual statewide survey to assess and improve the reading proficiency of students in kindergarten through grade 3 (K-3).
Background
Under current law, ADE must administer a K-3 Reading Program. Each school district and charter school must submit a K-3 Reading Program plan (plan) to ADE for improving the reading proficiency of students in grades K-3. A plan includes baseline data on the reading proficiency of students in grades K-3 and a budget for spending monies generated by the K-3 support level and reading support level weights (A.R.S. § 15-211).
The Early Literacy Program Fund (Fund) is administered by ADE and provides support to improve reading skills, literacy and proficiency in grades K-3. Eligible schools may use awarded Fund monies to pay for expenses that increase student reading proficiency. ADE must include a report on the Early Literacy Program in the K-3 Reading Program plan that contains a description of the funds awarded each year, a summary of funded activities, information on a school's achievement progress and the effectiveness of strategies in improving reading proficiency (A.R.S. § 15-249.09).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Requires ADE, by January 1 of each year, to conduct an annual statewide survey, based on information school districts and charter schools submit as part of the plan to improve reading proficiency for grades K-3, to assess:
a) the number of hours each day that kindergarten instruction is provided at each school;
b) how each school is currently funding full-day kindergarten instruction;
c) the reading proficiency of K-3 students at each school; and
d) the reading program at each school.
2. Requires ADE to summarize the results of the survey and data collection in the Early Literacy Program Report.
3. Repeals the statewide survey on January 1, 2024.
4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.
House Action
ED 1/28/19 DP 10-1-0-2
3rd Read 2/14/19 57-3-0
Prepared by Senate Research
February 28, 2019
JO/CP/gs