Amendment ID: S2924-15

Amendment 15

Demonstrated Competency in Evidence‑Based Literacy Instruction for Elementary Licensure

Messrs. Tarr and O'Connor move that the proposed new text be amended by inserting after section _ the following new section:-

"SECTION_.Section 38G of chapter 71 of the General Laws, as so appearing, is hereby amended by inserting after the word “personnel”, in line 281, the following words:- ; and provided further, that educator preparation programs and licensure standards shall include demonstrated competency in evidence‑based literacy instruction for candidates preparing to teach kindergarten through grade 3.

The commissioner shall require that, as a condition of program approval and as a condition of initial licensure for candidates assigned to kindergarten through grade 3, candidates demonstrate competency in evidence‑based literacy instruction as defined in section 1E ½ of chapter 69 by one or more department‑approved methods, which may include a pedagogy examination, a performance assessment, or a portfolio. The department shall promulgate regulations establishing assessment content, passing standards, portfolio and performance assessment requirements and scoring rubrics, accommodations for candidates with documented disabilities, procedures for review and appeal of assessment results, and a phased implementation schedule not to exceed three years from the effective date of such regulations. The department shall publish preparatory resources and may use amounts in the Early Literacy Fund established in section 2OOOOOO of chapter 29 to support preparatory courses, assessments, and technical assistance. The department may establish limited alternative demonstration pathways or temporary exemptions for candidates in exceptional circumstances, including but not limited to candidates teaching in designated shortage areas or candidates with documented hardship, provided that any alternative pathway shall require a documented plan for achieving full competency within a timeline established by the department. The department shall report annually to the clerks of the senate and house of representatives and to the joint committee on education on implementation progress, including the number of candidates assessed, pass rates by pathway, use of alternative pathways or exemptions, preparatory resources provided, and any recommendations for legislative changes.