§ 53A-3-402.9. Assessment of emerging and early reading skills -- Resources provided by school districts.

(1) The Legislature recognizes that well-developed reading skills help:

(a) children to succeed in school, develop self esteem, and build positive relationships with others;

(b) young adults to become independent learners; and

(c) adults to become and remain productive members of a rapidly changing technology-based society.

(2)

(a) Each potential kindergarten student, the student's parent or guardian, and kindergarten personnel at the student's school may participate in an assessment of the student's reading and numeric skills.

(b) The State Office of Education, in cooperation with the state's school districts, may develop the assessment instrument and any additional materials needed to implement and supplement the assessment program.

(3) The potential kindergarten student's teacher may use the assessment in planning and developing an instructional program to meet the student's identified needs.

(4)

(a) Each school is encouraged to schedule the assessment early enough before the kindergarten starting date so that a potential kindergarten student's parent or guardian has time to develop the child's needed skills as identified by the assessment.

(b) Based on the assessment under Subsection (2), the school shall provide the potential student's parent or guardian with appropriate resource materials to assist the parent or guardian at home in the student's literacy development.

Amended by Chapter 171, 2008 General Session