Missouri Senate Bill SB857

Missouri 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/3/24
• Refer: 1/11/24

Caption

Creates the Elementary Literacy Fund to provide grants to local educational agencies for home reading programs

Impact

If enacted, SB857 will significantly alter the landscape of elementary education funding in Missouri, providing dedicated resources for literacy improvement initiatives. The bill requires matching funds from local educational agencies, encouraging collaboration between various educational entities and fostering a joint effort to enhance student literacy rates. This approach aims to create a sustainable funding model that maximizes the impact of state educational resources directly at the local level, potentially leading to better educational outcomes for students in kindergarten through grade five.

Summary

Senate Bill 857 is a legislative initiative aimed at improving literacy among elementary school students in Missouri. The bill establishes the 'Elementary Literacy Fund', which will provide grants to local educational agencies for implementing home reading programs. These programs will focus on delivering evidence-based reading materials, enhancing parental engagement through regular communication, and ensuring that students receive a selection of books suited to their reading levels. The legislation sets a funding limit of five million dollars annually for the program, sourced from the state treasury, along with any additional donations or revenues that may be raised.

Contention

While SB857 presents a focused approach to improving literacy, potential points of contention could arise regarding the distribution of funds and the eligibility criteria for local agencies. The requirement for matching funds may pose financial challenges for some districts, particularly those with limited budgets. Some legislators may also debate the effectiveness of home reading programs versus traditional classroom instruction methods, questioning how best to allocate limited educational resources. Additionally, the emphasis on accountability through data collection and reporting might raise privacy concerns among parents and educational organizations.