A. The Legislature finds that it is essential for children in the public schools to read early and well in elementary school. The Legislature further finds that clear and visible goals, assessments to determine the reading level at each elementary school, annual measurements of elementary school reading improvement, and accountability in each level of the educational system will result in a significant increase in the number of children reading at or above grade level.

B. The purpose of the Reading Sufficiency Act is to ensure that each child attains the necessary reading skills by completion of the third grade which will enable that student to continue development of reading skills and to succeed throughout school and life.

C. Each public school district in this state shall ensure that all students receive a well-rounded education that is focused on building deep foundations in reading and mathematics. The State Board of Education shall encourage school districts to integrate the teaching of the other curricular areas in the subject matter standards adopted by the Board with the instruction of reading and mathematics. All teachers of reading in the public schools in this state in kindergarten through third grade shall incorporate into instruction the five elements of reading instruction which are phonemic awareness, phonics, reading fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

Added by Laws 1997, c. 349, § 2, eff. July 1, 1997. Amended by Laws 2001, c. 421, § 1, eff. July 1, 2001; Laws 2004, c. 197, § 1, eff. July 1, 2004; Laws 2005, c. 431, § 2, eff. Sept. 1, 2005; Laws 2006, c. 16, § 78, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006; Laws 2006, c. 146, § 1, emerg. eff. May 12, 2006; Laws 2009, c. 456, § 9, eff. July 1, 2009; Laws 2011, c. 100, § 1; Laws 2014, c. 430, § 9, emerg. eff. June 5, 2014; Laws 2016, c. 360, § 6, eff. July 1, 2016; Laws 2019, c. 289, § 1, eff. July 1, 2019.

NOTE: Laws 2005, c. 385, § 2 repealed by Laws 2006, c. 16, § 79, emerg. eff. March 29, 2006.