AN ACT TO EXPAND THE PROVISIONS OF THE LITERACY-BASED PROMOTION ACT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE CERTAIN INTERVENTION AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES FOR LITERACY PROFICIENCY AMONG STUDENTS IN GRADE 4 THROUGH GRADE 8; TO DEFINE TERMINOLOGY; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM OF SUPPORT FOR SCHOOL AND DISTRICT INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERS, TEACHERS, LITERACY COACHES, INTERVENTIONISTS, TUTORS AND OTHER IDENTIFIED PERSONNEL OF FOURTH, FIFTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH AND EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS TO ENSURE THAT THEY HAVE THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS TO SUPPORT STUDENTS WITH READING DIFFICULTIES; TO PRESCRIBE WHAT THE SYSTEM OF SUPPORTS SHALL ENTAIL; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP AND PROMULGATE RULES FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF AN EVIDENCE-BASED PROGRAM OF LITERACY INTERVENTION FOR STUDENTS IN GRADE 4 THROUGH GRADE 8; TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO DEVELOP A FORMULA TO IDENTIFY MIDDLE LITERACY SUPPORT SCHOOLS (M-LSS) BASED ON READING PROFICIENCY DATA AS DETERMINED BY THE MISSISSIPPI ACADEMIC ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (MAAP); TO REQUIRE THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO SUBMIT AN ANNUAL REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE BY DECEMBER 1 OF EACH YEAR OF THE PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION OVER THE COURSE OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
Impact
If enacted, HB 810 will reshape how the education system addresses literacy challenges in the upper elementary and middle school years. The bill requires schools to implement evidence-based programs and support structures that identify students who are at risk of reading deficiencies. Additionally, it specifies that comprehensive training should ground educators in the science of reading, which will change how reading instruction is approached across the state. By systematically identifying and supporting struggling readers, the bill seeks to improve overall literacy outcomes.
Summary
House Bill 810 aims to expand the provisions of the Literacy-Based Promotion Act in order to enhance literacy proficiency among students in grades 4 through 8. The bill mandates the State Department of Education to provide a robust system of support that includes professional training for instructional leaders, teachers, and literacy coaches. This provision focuses on ensuring these educators possess the necessary knowledge and skills to assist students struggling with reading difficulties. The intention is to build on the literacy success achieved in grades K-3 and extend these efforts into the middle school years.
Contention
One notable point of contention surrounding HB 810 includes the exclusion of instructional materials that utilize the 'three-cueing' system of teaching reading, which some educators argue limits their teaching flexibility. Critics of the bill may argue that the strict adherence to evidence-based approaches could constrain teacher autonomy and the use of diverse methodologies to meet student needs. Moreover, the implementation of the proposed support structures may demand significant state resources, prompting discussions over funding and feasibility in various school districts.
Mathematics Proficiency and Intervention Act; establish to provide intensive multitiered system of supports for students in kindergarten through Grade 3.
Mississippi Young Readers Club; establish to authorize SDE to partner with organization to provide reading literature to certain student reading below grade level.
Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.
Requesting The Board Of Education, In Collaboration With The Department Of Education, To Revise Public High School Graduation Requirements To Include Successful Completion Of A Standalone Financial Literacy Course.