NOTE: As provided in LFC policy, this report is intended for use by the standing finance committees of the legislature.  The Legislative Finance Committee does not assume responsibility for the accuracy of the information in this report when used in any other situation.

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(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)

Duplicates SB39 Relates to HB2 and HB3

SOURCES OF INFORMATION

State Department of Public Education (SDE)

SUMMARY

Synopsis of SEC Amendment

The Senate Education Committee amendment strikes the appropriation.

Synopsis of HEC Amendment

The House Education Committee amendment changes the cost differential factor to .048 when determining early literacy program units.

Synopsis of Original Bill

House Bill 28 enacts a new section of the Public School Code to provide an early literacy program for students from kindergarten through third grade that are not reading at grade level.

Significant Issues

School districts must follow a program approval process and address specific program elements for students before or after school or on weekends. A school district's application must include a family involvement component that is based on family support principles.

An approved literacy program shall consist of a minimum of 90 hours of instruction per academic year for kindergarten students and a minimum of 180 hours of instruction per academic year for students in first, second and third grades.

Approved literacy programs shall demonstrate the following components: engaging and abundant literacy materials appropriate to the age of the students; effective instructional techniques that incorporate the most recent research in teaching reading; thorough integration of reading and writing activities; training for teachers and parents; and annual pre- and post-program assessments for students that clearly reveal student outcomes.

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS

Early literacy program units will be determined by multiplying the early literacy program MEM by the cost differential factor of .03.

House Bill 28 appropriates $5,000.0 from the general fund to SDE for expenditure in fiscal year 2001 to fund early literacy programs in the public schools. Any unexpended or unencumbered balance remaining at the end of fiscal year 2001 shall revert to the general fund.

DUPLICATION

This bill duplicates Senate Bill 39.

Included in HB3 and HB2 are appropriations of $11,500.0 to fund early childhood education initiatives such as full-day kindergarten, before- and after-school programs, summer school programs, or programs for early childhood and literacy development aimed at children in kindergarten through grade three.

POSSIBLE QUESTIONS

1. How many students are currently reading below grade level in grades K-3? What is the .03 cost differential factor based on?

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