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Bill

H 383

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to revise and establish provisions regarding the Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act.

68th Legislature, 1st Regular Session (2025)

House Bill H 383 boosts literacy for Idaho K-3 students by ensuring reading proficiency, funding tailored interventions, and aligning instruction with proven methods.

Reported Printed and Referred to Education
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Bill Summary · H 383

Summary of House Bill H 383: Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act

Purpose and Intent

House Bill H 383 aims to enhance literacy outcomes for students in Idaho, particularly focusing on ensuring that all students achieve reading proficiency by the end of third grade. The bill seeks to address the significant literacy gap identified by the Idaho State Board of Education, where approximately 40.5% of K-3 students fell short of this goal in the fall of 2024.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several important changes and provisions to the existing Idaho Literacy Achievement and Accountability Act:

  1. Alignment with Science of Reading Standards:

    • The bill mandates that all reading instruction aligns with evidence-based practices known as the Science of Reading, which emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.

  2. Flexible Assessment Options:

    • School districts will have the autonomy to select the most effective reading assessments for measuring student growth, moving away from a standardized testing approach.

  3. Funding for Digital Interventions:

    • A curated list of digital interventions will be funded, providing schools with flexible tools tailored to meet the unique learning needs of students.

  4. Intensive Turnaround Interventions:

    • The bill establishes a program for the lowest-performing schools, pairing them with literacy experts to develop and implement comprehensive improvement plans. This initiative will include:
      • A pay-for-performance model for literacy experts, with guaranteed fees tied to successful outcomes.
      • Funding of $100,000 per school per year for three years, with an additional $300,000 for schools meeting success criteria by year three.

  5. Revisions to Existing Code:

    • The bill amends several sections of the Idaho Code to redefine terms related to literacy, revise provisions regarding student reading instruction, and establish new accountability measures.

Impact

  • Students: The bill directly impacts K-3 students, particularly those identified with reading deficiencies or characteristics of dyslexia, ensuring they receive targeted interventions.
  • School Districts: Districts will benefit from the flexibility in assessment choices and access to funding for tailored interventions, potentially leading to improved literacy rates.
  • Literacy Experts: The legislation creates opportunities for literacy experts to work with schools, providing essential training and support.

Fiscal Considerations

The implementation of this bill is expected to cost the state General Fund between $8-$10 million annually. This includes:
- $1.6 million for existing reading assessments.
- $3-$5 million for funding licenses for approved interventions.
- Savings anticipated from eliminating double testing at the district level.

Procedural Aspects

  • Introduced: March 07, 2025
  • Status: Reported printed and referred to the Education Committee on March 10, 2025.
  • Effective Date: The bill includes a declaration of emergency, indicating that it will take effect immediately upon passage.

Conclusion

House Bill H 383 represents a significant legislative effort to improve literacy outcomes in Idaho by providing targeted resources, flexible assessment options, and expert support for schools. The bill aims to ensure that all students can read proficiently by the end of third grade, addressing a critical educational need in the state.

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

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