S105 - 2021 Appropriations Act. (SL 2021-180)

Overview: Section 7.15 of S.L. 2021-180 requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction (Superintendent) to establish a working group to develop an implementation guide for the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021 (S.L. 2021-8). The Superintendent must collaborate with various education stakeholders to develop the guide to assist local school administrative units, educators, and administrators in establishing the essential elements for literacy based on the Science of Reading, effectively implementing the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021, and creating the framework to ensure that students are successful and proficient readers. The implementation guide must include at least the following information:

• Roles and responsibilities of State agencies, local school administrative units, public schools, and educators.
• Implementation strategies of the components of literacy supports and interventions.
• Professional development and training available for educators.
• Initiatives related to the implementation of the Excellent Public Schools Act of 2021 at the State and local level.

No later than January 15, 2022, the Superintendent will report to the Joint Legislative Education Oversight Committee and various other entities on the working group and the development of the implementation guide. The report must include the proposed components of the implementation guide and the timeline of publishing the guide in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year.

This section became effective July 1, 2021.