HB 5325

Abstract

Amends the School Code. Authorizes the State Board of Education to administer a Continued Reading Improvement Grant Program. Provides that, subject to appropriation, funds for the Continued Reading Improvement Grant Program shall be made available, on a competitive basis, to school districts with students in any of grades 7 through 12 who are reading significantly below grade level. Provides that the State Board may reserve and distribute an amount not to exceed 2% of the moneys appropriated for the Program for the purpose of developing teacher reading academies and administrator academies that espouse research-based teaching methods and instructional strategies proven to increase adolescent literacy achievement. Provides that these funds may also be used to develop and maintain an Internet website for collecting program data and providing assessment and instructional resources germane to the Program. Provides that funds received under a grant may be used for efforts to implement a school or district literacy plan for increased student achievement and reading comprehension. Effective immediately.