SECTION 59-155-170. Literacy skills training for educators.

(A) The department shall establish a set of essential competencies describing what certified teachers in early childhood, elementary, middle and secondary levels, and special education must know and be able to do so that all students can comprehend grade-level texts. These competencies, developed collaboratively with the faculty of higher education institutions and based on the science of reading, must then be incorporated into the coursework required by Section 59-155-180. The department shall provide professional development courses to ensure that educators have access to multiple avenues of receiving endorsements. (B)(1) The department shall deliver professional development that has demonstrated success in establishing deep knowledge of foundational literacy skills grounded in the science of reading and promoting student reading achievement. Each district shall participate in the implementation of this foundational literacy skills training with the goal of statewide implementation to include all kindergarten through third grade teachers certified in early childhood, elementary, or special education, and elementary administrators. This training shall be offered at no cost to the district or teacher. (2) Successful completion of this training shall satisfy the requirements of the literacy endorsement provided for in Section 59-155-180. Effect of Amendment 2024 Act No. 114, SECTION 8, rewrote the section.