SB 1502
Initials CH Page 1 Caucus & COW
ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Fifty-seventh Legislature
First Regular Session
Senate: ED DPA 7-0-0-0 | 3rd Read 29-0-1-0
House: ED DP 12-0-0-0
SB 1502: literacy endorsement; curricula; special education
Sponsor: Senator Farnsworth, LD 10
Caucus & COW
Overview
Instructs the State Board of Education (SBE) to require that all approved educator
preparation programs in mild-moderate special education include the courses necessary to
obtain the K-5 literacy endorsement. Defines curriculum, as it relates to K-3 literacy plan
requirements, to include curriculum used to provide reading instruction to children with
disabilities or English language learners.
History
SBE rules must require, beginning August 1, 2025, that all certificated teachers who provide
literacy instruction in kindergarten or the 1st-5th grades obtain the K-5 literacy
endorsement. A teacher must complete evidence-based science of reading training or
coursework and pass a literacy instruction assessment to show they are capable of: 1)
effectively teaching foundational reading skills, phonological awareness, phonics, fluency,
vocabulary and comprehension; 2) implementing reading instruction using high-quality
instructional materials; and 3) providing effective instruction and interventions for students
with reading deficiencies. All approved educator preparation programs in elementary
education or early childhood education must require the courses necessary to obtain the K-5
literacy endorsement (A.R.S. § 15-501.01) (A.A.C. R7-2-615).
K-3 literacy plan requirements mandate each school district or charter school that provides
instruction in kindergarten through the 3rd grade: 1) select and administer screening,
ongoing diagnostic and classroom-based instructional reading assessments to monitor
student progress; 2) use diagnostic information to plan evidence-based appropriate and
effective instruction and intervention; 3) conduct a curriculum evaluation and adopt an
evidence-based reading curriculum that includes the essential components of reading
instruction; and 4) provide ongoing teacher training based on evidence-based reading
research (A.R.S. § 15-704).
Provisions
1. Instructs SBE to adopt rules that require all approved educator preparation programs in
mild-moderate special education, as defined by SBE, to include the courses necessary to
obtain the K-5 literacy endorsement. (Sec. 1)
2. Includes in curriculum, as it relates to K-3 literacy plan requirements, any curriculum
used to provide reading instruction to children with disabilities or English language
learners. (Sec. 2)
3. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1)
☐ Prop 105 (45 votes) ☐ Prop 108 (40 votes) ☐ Emergency (40 votes) ☐ Fiscal Note