Increasing Reading Efficiency and Accountability Development (iREAD) Pilot Program; establish for "D" and "F" schools.
The bill mandates that the State Board of Education develop and implement the iREAD program as an educational technology platform. This program will encompass a structured approach to reading that leverages instructional technology tools, application-based software, and various interactive devices. The state legislature is required to appropriate funds amounting to $750,000 annually to support the iREAD program's implementation and ongoing operations. The bill also delineates a reporting requirement for the State Board to assess the pilot program's effectiveness and consider its expansion to more schools by 2027.
House Bill 1290 aims to establish the Increasing Reading Efficiency and Accountability Development (iREAD) Pilot Program within the Mississippi State Department of Education. The program is targeted towards improving early childhood literacy specifically in elementary schools that have received 'D' and 'F' accountability ratings. The initiative intends to begin implementation in the 2025-2026 school year, focusing on students in kindergarten through grade three, particularly in schools identified as experiencing chronic reading inefficiencies and underperforming readers. The program will utilize educational technology to assist teachers, literacy coaches, and parents in promoting reading and comprehension skills among early learners.
Discussion surrounding HB 1290 may involve points of contention related to the selection criteria for the schools included in the iREAD program, the effectiveness of technology in literacy education, and the sufficiency of the allocated budget for achieving meaningful outcomes. Furthermore, the prioritization of the program within specific congressional districts that cater to underserved populations raises questions about equity and resource allocation within the educational system. Critics may argue whether a technology-driven approach sufficiently addresses the nuanced needs of students struggling with literacy in these high-need environments.