K-12 Language and Literacy Program
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Bill Summary - 26LSO-0217 Bill No.: SF0059 Effective: Immediately LSO No.: 26LSO-0217 Enrolled Act No.: SEA No. 0043 Chapter No.: 66 Prime Sponsor: Joint Education Interim Committee Catch Title: K-12 language and literacy program. Has Report: Yes Subject: K-12 language and literacy program. Summary/Major Elements: Establishes the Wyoming Language and Literacy Program to ensure comprehensive language and literacy instruction for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. Defines key terms and components related to language and literacy. Requires school districts to adopt and implement comprehensive language and literacy plans. Mandates the creation of individualized reading plans for students identified with reading difficulties or at risk for poor reading outcomes. Specifies professional development requirements. Requires annual reporting by school districts on student literacy proficiency and instructional practices to the Department of Education. Authorizes the State Superintendent of Public Instruction to establish a literacy division within the Department of Education to oversee and support the program. Repeals W.S. 21-3-401, Reading assessment and intervention. Comments: Requires a report. The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent. While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.
Public statements
Last checked Aug 7, 12:43 AM
R · S15
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the bill because it focuses on providing professional development to help students become good readers, while noting that concerns about teachers losing their licenses were based on misinformation regarding specific licensure requirements.
R · H47
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports an amendment limiting the bill to grades K-6 because teachers have indicated that middle school programs are already in place and additional testing is unnecessary.
R · H09
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues that reducing the bill's scope to K-6 fails to address students leaving high school unable to read at a fifth-grade level, asserting that all children from kindergarten through 12th grade must be supported.
R · H34
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker believes testing is essential because students who cannot read by third grade face higher risks of incarceration and lower income, while older struggling students are at risk of dropping out.
R · H01
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker argues the bill is necessary because industries and colleges report students are not ready for work or higher education, necessitating a K-12 approach to ensure they leave school equipped.
R · H40
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker expresses hesitation about the bill because her district already has a successful literacy program and she fears the legislation might force them to change what is working.
R · H55
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker opposes limiting the bill because teachers in grades 7-12 need training to identify literacy issues like dyslexia, which they currently lack.
R · H49
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports providing tools for older students because he has observed many high school graduates in technical trades who are functionally illiterate and cannot comprehend necessary manuals.
R · H59
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker supports the amendment because extending it through high school would dilute efforts in lower grades, noting that urban high schools are already struggling with basic English proficiency.
R · H57
Why they voted this way
The lawmaker votes for the amendment, noting that not every school district takes the NAPE exam and therefore it is an incomplete measure of student proficiency.
If a lawmaker is not listed, we couldn't find a published reason.
Wyoming roll calls
6 roll calls
Official activity
Changes
14 stored
Failed 2nd reading by Representative Erickson
Failed 2nd reading by Representative Campbell, E
Failed 2nd reading by Representative Williams
Corrected, Failed 2nd reading by Representative Jarvis
Failed 3rd reading by Representative Thayer
Failed 3rd reading by Representative Jarvis
Withdrawn 3rd reading by Representative Strock
Withdrawn 3rd reading by Representative Jarvis
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Representative Andrew
Failed Committee of the Whole by Representative Jarvis
Adopted 2nd reading by Senator Schuler
Failed Committee of the Whole by Senator Schuler
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Senator Rothfuss
Adopted Committee of the Whole by Senator Schuler