The state Senate has adopted legislation that would allow schools to hold back some third graders who are not proficient at reading.
The Senate-passed measure is not as strict as earlier versions because it would allow parents and superintendents to make a decision to advance students even if they’re not reading proficiently.
Senate Education Committee Chairman Phil Pavlov said the focus should be more on things like identifying problems early, and putting literacy coaches in schools – and then paying for it.
“We’re telling locals that we’re asking them to do something. Let’s put our money behind that, too.”
Pavlov says that will have to be worked out in the budget process. The third grade reading bill now goes to the state House.