1941-S2.E AMC CONF S3401.1

E2SHB 1941 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

    Strike everything after the enacting clause and insert the following:

    "NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  The legislature finds that the ability to read with comprehension and skill is essential for success in school, and for success in future life.  As we enter into the twenty-first century, the ability to read is critical to personal and family prosperity.  It is the intent of the legislature to improve student learning by focusing on reading literacy in our public schools.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 28A.630 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The elementary grades assessment developed by the commission on student learning under RCW 28A.630.885(3)(b)(i) shall require that all public school students are assessed for reading literacy skills in the third grade no later than March 31st.

    (2) The  reading assessment in subsection (1) of this section shall be available for use by elementary schools no later than the 1996-97 school year.  Elementary schools are encouraged to begin implementation of the assessment in the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school years.

    (3) Notwithstanding the assessment implementation dates in RCW 28A.630.885, the reading assessment in subsection (1) of this section shall be implemented state-wide to all public school third-grade students in the 1998-99 school year.

    (4) The information provided by the reading assessment shall be used by educators as a tool to evaluate instructional practices and to initiate appropriate educational support for students who have not mastered the essential academic learning requirements for reading.  The type of support to be provided to students shall be determined by school districts.  School districts shall periodically reassess students who have not mastered the essential academic learning requirements for reading, and shall continue to provide appropriate reading support for students who have not mastered these essential academic learning requirements.  The results of the reading assessment shall not be used for school or school district accountability purposes."

E2SHB 1941 - CONF REPT

By Conference Committee

    On page 1, line 1 of the title, after "literacy;" strike the remainder of the title and insert "adding a new section to chapter 28A.630 RCW; and creating a new section."

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