First Substitute H.B. 84

Representative Karen W. Morgan proposes the following substitute bill:

1 READING REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT
2 ADVANCEMENT
3 2005 GENERAL SESSION
4 STATE OF UTAH
5 Sponsor: Karen W. Morgan
6
7 LONG TITLE
8 General Description:
9 This bill requires that pupils in first through third grades read at grade level prior to
10 advancing to the next grade, with certain exceptions.
11 Highlighted Provisions:
12 This bill:
13 . generally prohibits a school district from promoting a pupil in first through third
14 grades to the next grade level if the child is not reading at grade level; and
15 . requires school districts or charter schools to provide parental notice and reading
16 intervention;
17 . provides certain student exemptions; and
18 . requires the State Board of Education to make rules.
19 Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
20 None
21 Other Special Clauses:
22 None
23 Utah Code Sections Affected:
24 ENACTS:
25 53A-1-606.6, Utah Code Annotated 1953

26
27 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
28 Section 1. Section 53A-1-606.6 is enacted to read:
29 53A-1-606.6. Standards for grade advancement -- Exceptions -- Rulemaking.
30 (1) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a school district or charter school may not
31 promote a pupil from first, second, or third grade who is not reading at or above grade level, as
32 determined by multiple assessments administered pursuant to this part, and pursuant to rules
33 enacted under Subsection (4).
34 (b) Prior to exercising its authority under Subsection (1)(a), a school district or charter
35 school shall:
36 (i) notify a student's parent or guardian, prior to the midpoint of the school year, that
37 there is a possibility that the student may not be promoted under Subsection (1)(a) at the
38 conclusion of the school year; and
39 (ii) provide intense, personalized instruction and intervention in reading, including
40 one-on-one reading tutoring, before and after school programs, and summer assistance.
41 (2) Subsection (1) does not apply to:
42 (a) students with disabilities who are excluded by an individualized education program;
43 (b) limited English proficiency students;
44 (c) first or second grade students who demonstrate one year or more of reading
45 progress, as measured by their individual reading assessments, but who may still be below the
46 grade level standard as determined by the board; and
47 (d) students who entered kindergarten prior to the 2005-06 school year.
48 (3) Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, a student may not be retained in a
49 grade longer than one additional year.
50 (4) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
51 State Board of Education shall make rules defining:
52 (a) expected reading levels for first, second, and third grades; and
53 (b) eligibility standards for students described in Subsection (2).

*HB0084S01*