Legislative Intent

It is the intent of the Legislature that the reading instruction program provided for in this Chapter be directed to the prevention of, and correction of, reading difficulties at the earliest possible time in the educational career of the pupil and that the reading program in the public schools be of high quality. The Legislature recognizes that early development of reading skills and the early correction of reading difficulties enhance the opportunity of each pupil for success in school and for success in a career upon leaving school. To achieve this purpose, it will be necessary to provide means to employ specialists trained in the teaching of reading. The Legislature intends that the provisions of this Chapter be administered to provide funds and services to those schools which are identified by the latest available norm-based tests to have the greatest need for additional reading instruction. The Legislature does not intend to pre-empt the Department of Education from establishing and maintaining any other special reading program which otherwise complies with the law. The Legislature recognizes that federal programs may be utilized to supplement the Reading Specialists program. COL 110609 CH. 5A READING SPECIALISTS