HB2872

Advances literacy for elementary students by establishing a universal reading screener and retention policies.

Advances literacy for elementary students by establishing the "Missouri Universal Reading Screener" to assess reading proficiency in grades one through three. Students scoring "below basic" on the screener must be retained in third grade unless they score "basic" or higher on a retest or qualify for a good cause exemption. The bill creates a literacy advisory council to advise on literacy instruction and policy. It mandates evidence-based reading instruction for students identified with reading deficiencies or dyslexia.