SB 5508-S - DIGEST

(SUBSTITUTED FOR - SEE 2ND SUB)

     Declares that the reading goal of this act is to have, by the year 2002, and each year thereafter, ninety percent or more of all Washington public school third graders reading at or above grade level, as defined by the commission on student learning, by the end of their third grade.

     Requires each school district to assess the reading level of its third graders in the spring of 1998 and each year thereafter using the state-wide third grade reading assessment developed by the commission on student learning under RCW 28A.630.886.

     Declares that the seven levels of system accountability necessary to achieve the reading goal shall be the parents, the state, the professional associations, the principals, the teachers, the public school buildings, and the school district.

     Provides that, consistent with chapter 28A.630 RCW, districts shall receive rewards for achievement, assistance for deficiency, and sanctions for consistent nonachievement of factored equal annual incremental improvement.

     Makes an appropriation of one million dollars for the fiscal year ending June 30, 1998, from the general fund to the superintendent of public instruction for the purposes of this act.