Plain English Breakdown
The specific criteria for granting waivers mentioned in the source are referenced as 'as specified' but not detailed within this summary text, leaving the exact process open until further regulations or statutes define it.
AB-1121: Early Literacy Training and Reading Materials
This law requires state officials to create lists of approved teacher training programs and reading materials for early grades, then mandates that schools use only those approved resources unless they receive a waiver.
What This Bill Does
- Requires the State Department of Education to list recommended professional development programs by August 31, 2026.
- Directs the State Board of Education to approve a final list of training programs and reading materials for grades TK through 8 by January 1, 2027.
- Mandates that school districts, county offices, and charter schools ensure staff complete an approved literacy training program by August 31, 2029.
- Prohibits local agencies from adopting reading materials for English language arts or development unless the state board has already adopted them, unless a waiver is granted.
- Requires a public list of all locally adopted instructional materials to be posted on the department's website annually starting December 31, 2028.
Who It Names or Affects
- The State Department of Education and the State Board of Education
- School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools
- Educators and instructional leaders who teach transitional kindergarten through grade 8
Terms To Know
- Professional development
- Training programs designed to help teachers improve their skills in teaching literacy.
- Basic instructional materials
- Core textbooks and resources used for teaching subjects like reading, spelling, and English language arts.
- State-mandated local program
- A new duty required by the state that costs money or time for local school agencies to perform.
Limits and Unknowns
- The bill does not specify which exact training programs will be on the approved list until they are developed and reviewed.
- Local schools may request a waiver from the State Board of Education if they cannot use state-adopted materials, but specific rules for these waivers are detailed in other laws or future regulations.