Vermont § 2903 - Foundation for literacy

§ 2903. Foundation for literacy

• (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 and explicit
  evidence-based reading instruction in the early grades from a teacher who is skilled
  in teaching the foundational components of reading, including phonemic awareness,
  phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Students who require intensive supplemental
  instruction tailored to the unique difficulties encountered shall be provided those
  additional supports by an appropriately trained education professional. (b) Foundation for literacy. (1) The Agency of Education, in collaboration with the State Board of Education, 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
  public schools that offer instruction in grades kindergarten through grade three to
  ensure that all students learn to read by the end of the third grade. The plan shall
  be updated at least once every five years following its initial submission in 1998. (2) Approved independent schools that are eligible to receive public tuition shall develop
  a grade-level appropriate school literacy plan that is informed by student needs and
  assessment data. The plan may include identification of a literacy vision, goals,
  and priorities and shall address the following topics: (A) measures and indicators; (B) screening, assessment, instruction and intervention, and progress monitoring, consistent
  with section 2907 of this title; and (C) professional learning activities consistent with section 1710 of this title. (c) Reading instruction. A public school or approved independent school that is eligible to receive public
  tuition that offers instruction in grades kindergarten, one, two, or three shall provide
  systematic and explicit evidence-based reading instruction to all students. In addition,
  for students in grades kindergarten through 12, public schools and approved independent
  schools that are eligible to receive public tuition shall provide supplemental reading
  instruction to any enrolled student whose reading proficiency falls significantly
  below proficiency standards for the student’s grade level or whose reading proficiency
  prevents progress in school. Schools shall provide support and information to parents
  and legal guardians. (Added 1997, No. 60, § 9, eff. June 26, 1997; amended 2009, No. 44, § 40, eff. May 21, 2009; 2023, No. 139 (Adj. Sess.), § 5, eff. May 30, 2024; 2025, No. 72, § 10, eff. June 27, 2025.)