AN ACT relating to language and literacy competency; providing definitions; specifying screeners, assessments, diagnostics and screening requirements; requiring professional development; establishing school district duties; requiring parental notice; requiring individual reading plans for students with reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes; requiring reports; establishing additional duties for the department of education; authorizing the state superintendent of public instruction to create a language and literacy division; requiring rulemaking; repealing provisions; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.
Establishes the Wyoming Language and Literacy Program to ensure comprehensive language and literacy instruction for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Defines key terms and components related to language and literacy. Requires school districts to adopt and implement comprehensive language and literacy plans. Mandates the creation of individualized reading plans for students identified with reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes. Specifies professional development requirements. Requires annual reporting by school districts on student literacy proficiency and instructional practices to the Department of Education. Authorizes the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish a literacy division within the Department of Education to oversee and support the program. Repeals W.S. 21-3-401, Reading assessment and intervention. Comments: Requires a report.