Georgia's Early Literacy Initiative: House Bills & School District Response

Georgias Literacy Plan for Grades K-3 Talbot County School District

Parents Right to Know Georgia has passed two new bills that will impact your child s education. The goals of the bills are: To improve literacy instruction To identify reading difficulties in students early on, so that students can receive support To improve reading skills to ensure that students are reading at or above grade level by the end of 3rdgrade

What is the Early Literacy Act (House Bill 538)? A bill that was passed in the state of Georgia that aims to improve early literacy (grades K-3) through enhanced teacher training, the use of high quality instructional materials, student assessment, and intervention.

Components of the Early Literacy Act State Mandate Talbot County School District s Response K-3 Students will take the Beacon Early Years Assessment three times a year (Fall, Winter, and Spring) Screeners Local School Systems MUST administer Screeners to students in grades K-3, three times a year Screeners measure students reading skills and identify characteristics of Dyslexia Professional Learning Training for K-3 teachers on the science of reading, foundational literacy skills, and structured literacy Teachers will complete GA Literacy Academy courses by July 2025 Teachers will also receive training from literacy coach and RESA support Instructional Materials Need to be aligned to the science of reading, instruct students in foundational literacy skills, and Georgia s English Language Arts standards Instructional materials for grades K-3 are McGraw Hill Reading Wonders, Really Great Reading phonics program, and iReady Interventions Reading Intervention plans will be developed; FCRR materials will be used, as well as iReady interventions Interventions may take place in class with the general education teacher and/or with the Early Intervention (EIP) teacher Tiered intervention plans, that use evidence- based strategies, must be created for students in grades K-3 who exhibit reading difficulties

What is House Bill 48? A bill that was passed in the state of Georgia that focuses on identifying AND supporting students who have characteristics of Dyslexia through early screening for Dyslexia, early intervention, and support.

Senate Bill 48 Talbot County School District s Response State Mandate Screening Tool Our students will take the Beacon Early Years Assessment during the month of August. The bill mandates early screening for characteristics of dyslexia in students, ensuring early intervention and support. Grades Tested and Frequency Annual screening for students in Kindergarten and grades 1-3 K-3 students will be screened annually using the Beacon Early Years Assessment Teacher Training SB 48 requires training for educators to recognize signs of dyslexia and implement appropriate instructional strategies to support affected students Teachers will receive training in house with literacy coach Teachers may also receive Dyslexia Endorsement through RESA Parental Notification SB 48 emphasizes clear communication with parents regarding dyslexia evaluations and educational strategies tailored to meet each student s needs Parents will be notified in writing of Dyslexia Support Plan Dyslexia information will be sent out in print and will also be available digitally on the school s website

Parent Notification A parent or legal guardian of any K-3 student who exhibits a reading deficiency in reading or characteristics of dyslexia at any time during the school year will be notified in writing. Parents or guardians will receive a letter describing their child s reading intervention plan. Parents are encouraged to provide input and openly communicate with their child s teacher through ClassDojo or via email.

Parent and Family Involvement Ways that YOU can Support Your Child 1 2 3 4 5 Always maintain open and positive communication with your child s teacher(s). Remember, you and the teacher(s) are a TEAM. Remember, YOU are your child s first teacher! Talk to your child about school. Read to your child or with your child Ask questions, get involved, and attend school functions when possible.

Together, we can be the change that we want to see! Let s work together, to improve the reading skills of our students.

Parent Resources: Dyslexia Resource Guide for Georgia Families Reading 101: A Guide for Parents