Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to override a veto of a bill that authorizes certain third grade students demonstrating a reading deficiency to be promoted to the fourth grade.

Highlights:

• Authorizes a third grade student who passed a statewide reading test with a score of “limited knowledge” to be promoted to the fourth grade if the following actions occur (Sec. 1):
• The parents of guardians of the student are notified that the child is reading below grade level;
• The parents or guardians of the student are given the option of having the student retained in the third grade; and
• The student will participate in intensive reading remediation planned by a “student reading proficiency team” until the student is reading at grade level.

• Requires a “student reading proficiency team” to be composed of the following members (Sec. 1):
• The parents or guardians of the student;
• The student’s third grade reading teacher;
• A fourth grade reading teacher;
• The school principal; and 
• A certified reading specialist, if available. 

• Requires a third grade student who does not qualify for promotion to the fourth grade in the 2013-2014 or 2014-2015 school years due to an “unsatisfactory” reading score to be given a “probationary promotion” to the fourth grade if a student reading proficiency team unanimously recommends it and the school district superintendent approves the recommendation (Sec. 1). 

• Requires a student reading proficiency team to continue reviewing the reading performance of a student on probationary promotion and repeat the promotion evaluation process every year until the student demonstrates grade level reading proficiency (Sec. 1).

• Requires a third grade student with an “unsatisfactory” reading score and who is not subject to a “good cause” exemption to be retained in the third grade and be provided intensive instructional services, beginning in the 2015-2016 school year (Sec. 1). 

• Requires a school district to immediately begin a student reading portfolio and notify a student’s parents if a third grade student is identified as having a “significant” reading deficiency (Sec. 1).

• Requires a school district to report annually to the Department of Education the number of students promoted to the fourth grade in accordance with the provisions of this bill (Sec. 1). 

Full Bill Text

Vetoed by Governor Mary Fallin