Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence Program
If enacted, HB 0315 will amend Florida Statute 1008.365, enabling high school students who meet specific criteria—such as maintaining a GPA of 3.0 and having no history of severe disciplinary issues—to participate in this tutoring initiative. This not only enhances the learning experience for younger students but also rewards participating high school tutors with stipends and elective credits towards graduation. The training materials and guidelines for the tutoring program will be developed by the state education department, thus ensuring a structured and supportive framework for all involved.
House Bill 0315, known as the Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence Program, introduces a tutoring program aimed at enhancing literacy skills among students from kindergarten to grade 3. The program focuses on recruiting eligible high school students to serve as tutors after school hours, thereby promoting peer tutoring that instills a love of reading in younger students. This initiative aligns with evidence-based practices in reading education and aims to support schools identified under the Reading Achievement Initiative for Scholastic Excellence (RAISE).
The bill may face contention regarding the efficacy and oversight of the tutoring program. Critics might express concerns about relying too heavily on high school students for critical educational support, questioning whether they can adequately address the diverse needs of younger learners. Furthermore, the implementation of stipends for tutors could spark discussions about budget allocations within school districts and the prioritization of funding for educational programs.