§ 53F-5-215. Elementary teacher preparation assessment grant.

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Educator preparation program" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53E-6-302. (b) "License" means a license that: (i) is described in Section 53E-6-102; and (ii) qualifies an individual to teach elementary school. (c) "Required literacy preparation assessment" means the same as that term is defined in Section 53E-6-301. (2) Beginning September 1, 2021, subject to legislative appropriations, the state board shall award grants to educator preparation programs for the cost of the initial attempt of the required literacy preparation assessment for license applicants graduating from the institution or completing the preparation program during the year relevant to the grant. (3) In accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the state board may make rules to establish the license, type of license, or license concentration eligible for the grant described in this section. (4) An educator preparation program may apply for a grant described in this section by submitting to the state board an application, as provided by the state board, including an estimate of the number and names of prospective license applicants expected to graduate or complete the program in the year relevant to the grant application. (5) Notwithstanding Subsections (2) and (4), beginning July 1, 2020, and ending August 31, 2021, the state board may award grants under this section to institutions of higher education to pilot test a literacy preparation assessment. (6) The state board shall annually report to the Education Interim Committee on or before the November interim committee meeting regarding the administration and outcomes of the grant described in this section.