The program is designed to close the literacy gap for approximately 9,000 at-risk students by employing 150 primary promise intervention teachers and 80 literacy instructional aides. These professionals will work in small groups, ensuring that students receive focused attention tailored to their specific literacy challenges. With more than 25% of Hawaii's third graders reading below grade level, this initiative is timely and critical in enhancing educational outcomes in the state.
Summary
SB3266 aims to address the literacy achievement gap among elementary students in Hawaii, particularly those in kindergarten through third grade. The bill outlines the establishment of a primary promise pilot program which targets elementary schools with low literacy rates or a significant number of students reading below grade level. By leveraging existing federal funding programs established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this legislation proposes to implement supplemental and intensive literacy instruction through the hiring of dedicated teachers and instructional aides.
Contention
One point of contention in the discussions surrounding SB3266 may arise from concerns about the long-term sustainability of the funding and resources post-implementation. While the bill provides an initial appropriation of $15 million to kickstart the program, stakeholders will need to consider how to maintain and potentially expand the program in the future. Additionally, debates might occur surrounding the effectiveness of intervention strategies and whether similar programs have yielded substantial results in various contexts.