HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 2042

Title:  An act relating to reading in the primary grades.

Brief Description:  Providing a grant program for reading in the primary grades.

Sponsors:  Representatives Johnson, Talcott and Hickel.

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Meeting Date:  February 28, 1997.

Bill Analysis Prepared by:  Pat Shelledy (786-7149).

Background:  The Legislature has emphasized the importance of learning to read for students academic success.

Summary of Bill:  The Legislature finds that it is critical for students to achieve basic reading skills by the end of the second grade.  The Legislature also finds that student reading skills need to assessed in second grade.  The purpose of a second grade reading assessment is to provide teachers with an evaluation of student reading progress and information needed to improve instructional strategies.  Therefore, the legislature intends to develop a grant program for reading in the primary grades.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.