2016 Wyoming Code
TITLE 21 - EDUCATION
CHAPTER 3 - SCHOOL DISTRICTS IN GENERAL
ARTICLE 4 - READING ASSESSMENT AND INTERVENTION
SECTION 21-3-401 - Reading assessment and intervention.

21-3-401. Reading assessment and intervention.

(a) Each school district shall design and implement a reading screening program that measures student reading progress and includes prescreening for dyslexia and other reading difficulties as early as possible in kindergarten through grade three (3). The screening program shall include a reading assessment plan using screening instruments approved by the department of education, which is administered to all students in kindergarten through grade three (3), with standardized measures providing statewide longitudinal data and providing the capability for monitoring and measuring reading progress. In addition to a universal screening instrument, the department of education shall identify assessment instruments utilized to identify dyslexia and other reading difficulties. The program shall also include a plan for implementation of research based core curricula aligned to the statewide educational program standards and evidenced based interventions to meet the needs of all students. The program shall be multi-tiered and shall include various interventions to facilitate remediation of any reading difficulty as early as possible.

(b) Students not showing appropriate reading competence under this section shall be placed on an individualized reading plan to remedy the reading related difficulty utilizing an appropriate evidence based intervention program, which may include a group reading plan. For students under an individualized education program (IEP) which addresses reading difficulties, the IEP shall be deemed sufficient to meet the requirements of this subsection and no additional plan shall be required.

(c) Each district shall annually report to the department of education on the progress of each of its schools toward reaching the goal of eighty-five percent (85%) of all students reading at grade level upon completion of the third grade. The report shall include longitudinal data on all students in kindergarten through grade three (3), and shall include the percentage of students meeting or exceeding proficiency levels for the reporting period. The reporting shall also include the aggregate number of students identified by the screening instruments in each district by grade. Each school not meeting the eighty-five percent (85%) goal specified under this subsection shall submit an improvement plan to the department. At a minimum, the improvement plan shall outline the district's general strategy for increasing reading proficiency for the next school year and shall specifically address the student-teacher ratio, the use of certified tutors and the use of instructional facilitators in kindergarten through grade three (3) in all schools within the district.

(d) The state superintendent, in consultation with Wyoming school districts, professionals in the area of dyslexia and other reading difficulties, and other appropriate stakeholders, shall promulgate rules and regulations as necessary to administer the reading assessment and intervention program pursuant to this statute.