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F I S C A L I M P A C T R E P O R T





SPONSOR: Nava DATE TYPED: 03/30/00 HB
SHORT TITLE: Early Literacy Program SB 13
ANALYST: Fernandez


APPROPRIATION



Appropriation Contained
Estimated Additional Impact
 Recurring

or Non-Rec

 Fund

Affected

FY00 FY01 FY00 FY01
$ 4,367.6 Recurring G/F



(Parenthesis ( ) Indicate Expenditure Decreases)



Duplicates/Conflicts with/Companion to/Relates to



SOURCES OF INFORMATION



LFC Files

State Department of Public Education (SDE)



SUMMARY



Synopsis of Bill



Senate Bill 13 enacts a new section of the Public School Code to provide an early literacy program for students in first grade 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 for each of the program elements.



Approved literacy programs shall support the educational and developmental needs of students in first grade through third grade, address cultural diversity and provide family support.



Approved early literacy programs shall consist of 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: 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 .048.



Based upon a cost differential factor of .048 and using the current unit value of $2,460.00, the cost to implement this program would be approximately $4,367.6.



CTF/njw