Greetings Parents, Guardians, and All Supportive Loved Ones,
There is a new Senate Bill (S.B. 241: Early Literacy) that has some new mandated laws so please read below to learn more about it. This bill focuses on helping young children from kindergarten through 3rd grade learn to read better. The good news is that we already do many of these things and we will continue to tighten it up even more. Here is what it means for you and your child, explained in plain language:
Extra Help for Struggling Readers: Children in kindergarten through 3rd grade will have their reading tested regularly. If a child falls behind, the school will build a personal learning plan just for them and work with parents to provide targeted help (like tutoring, after-school reading, or summer support).
Staying Back a Grade (Retention):
For kids in K–2 who struggle, schools and parents will discuss whether staying back a year could help them catch up.
Starting in the 2029–2030 school year: If a student finishes 3rd grade and is not reading at grade level, they must repeat 3rd grade unless they qualify for a special exemption (for example, if they are learning English, have an IEP, or complete summer reading programs).
Better Training for Teachers: Schools will train teachers and classroom aides using proven reading methods in the "science of reading”. Currently, Bluff Elementary has three teachers and a principal fully trained and the remaining are working on it. We have a targeted intervention system that all staff, including paraeducators, are getting trained on.
Keeping Parents Informed: Schools must notify you in writing if your child is behind in reading, keep you updated on their progress, and explain ways you can practice reading together at home.
What to Expect Next:
You will be receiving a letter from the San Juan School District office if your child has fallen below or well below grade level in our Acadience reading assessment.
Your child’s literacy team (classroom teacher, principal, and possibly another member) will work on an individualized reading plan.
A meeting will be scheduled within 45 days to discuss the plan.
If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at: 435.678.1298
Sincerely,
Ms. McDermott