State Policy Regarding Reading Assessment, Reading Improvement Plans and Student Retention

Enacted in 2001, Senate Bill 319 clarified reading assessment as defined in Missouri Revised Statute § 167.645. Senate Bill 319 calls for the early assessment of students’ reading skills and requires school districts to intervene with students who are reading below grade level. The law requires: 

Assessment of students in grades 3-6 (with some exceptions) to determine their reading level.

Individualized “Reading Improvement Plans” for students in grades 4-6 who are substantially below grade level in reading.

Additional reading instruction for students with Reading Improvement Plans.

Retention of students in grade 4 if they are reading below the third-grade level. (Several exceptions to this requirement are specified in the law).