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HB 5248

AN ACT CONCERNING THE WAIVER PROCESS FOR THE COMPREHENSIVE READING CURRICULUM MODEL OR PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lezlye Zupkus

HB 5248 simplifies Connecticut school waiver processes for state-mandated comprehensive reading curriculum requirements, increasing local instructional flexibility with potential tradeoffs to reading proficiency standards.

REF. TO JOINT COMM. ON Education
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Bill Summary · HB 5248

Legislative bill overview

HB 5248 modifies Connecticut's process for schools to obtain waivers from state-mandated comprehensive reading curriculum model or program requirements. The bill streamlines or alters the existing waiver application procedures that schools must follow when seeking exemptions from reading curriculum standards. This gives schools more flexibility in how they approach reading instruction while maintaining some level of state oversight.

Why is this important

Reading proficiency is foundational to student success across all subjects and grade levels, making curriculum standards critical to educational outcomes. How easily schools can waive these requirements directly affects whether all Connecticut students receive evidence-based reading instruction, potentially creating disparities in literacy outcomes between schools. The waiver process balance determines whether schools have necessary flexibility for local contexts or whether standards are weakened through excessive exemptions.

Potential points of contention

  • Accountability vs. local control: Whether relaxing waiver requirements gives schools helpful autonomy or undermines statewide reading proficiency standards that protect struggling students
  • Equity concerns: Risk that well-resourced schools obtain waivers to pursue alternative methods while under-resourced schools lack capacity to implement mandated programs effectively
  • Evidence-based instruction: Whether waiver flexibility allows schools to abandon scientifically-supported reading methods in favor of less proven approaches

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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