2005 Vermont Code - § 2903. — Preventing early school failure; reading instruction

§ 2903. Preventing early school failure; reading instruction

(a) Statement of policy. The ability to read is critical to success in learning. Children who fail to read by the end of the first grade will likely fall further behind in school. The personal and economic costs of reading failure are enormous both while the student remains in school and long afterward. All students need to receive systematic reading instruction in the early grades from a teacher who is skilled in teaching reading through a variety of instructional strategies that take into account the different learning styles and language backgrounds of the students. Some students may require intensive supplemental instruction tailored to the unique difficulties encountered.

(b) Foundation for literacy. The state board of education, in collaboration with the agency of human services, higher education, literacy organizations and others, shall develop a plan for establishing a comprehensive system of services for early education in the first three grades to ensure that all students learn to read by the end of the third grade. The plan shall be submitted to the general assembly by January 15, 1998 and shall be updated at least once every five years.

(c) Reading instruction. A public school which offers instruction in grades one, two or three shall provide highly effective, research-based reading instruction to all students. In addition, for any student whose reading performance falls below the level expected in order to achieve third grade reading proficiency, as defined under subdivision 164(9) of this title, the school shall work to improve the student's reading skills by providing additional research-based reading instruction to the student, and by providing support and information to parents and other family members. (Added 1997, No. 60, § 9, eff. June 26, 1997.)