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HB 2914

Missouri HouseIntroduced

Summary

HB 2914, which creates, repeals, and modifies provisions relating to literacy of elementary school students, was introduced in the House on Jan 12, 2026 by Rep. Ed Lewis (R). It was referred to Emerging Issues, and last saw action on May 15, 2026: Referred: Emerging Issues(H).


Record

Text

HB 2914 has no co-sponsors and has not gone to a roll call.

hb2914/introduced.txt
SECOND REGULAR SESSION
HOUSE BILL NO. 2914
103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
INTRODUCED BY REPRESENTATIVE LEWIS.
6330H.01I JOSEPH ENGLER, Chief Clerk
AN ACT
To repeal sections 161.097, 161.241, 167.268, 167.340, 167.645, and 186.080, RSMo, and to
enact in lieu thereof five new sections relating to literacy of elementary school
students.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the state of Missouri, as follows:
Section A. Sections 161.097, 161.241, 167.268, 167.340, 167.645, and 186.080,
RSMo, are repealed and five new sections enacted in lieu thereof, to be known as sections
161.097, 161.241, 167.268, 167.340, and 167.645, to read as follows:
161.097. 1. The state board of education shall establish standards and procedures by
which it will evaluate all teacher training institutions in this state for the approval of teacher
education programs. The state board of education shall not require teacher training
institutions to meet national or regional accreditation as a part of its standards and procedures
in making those evaluations, but it may accept such accreditations in lieu of such approval if
standards and procedures set thereby are at least as stringent as those set by the board. The
state board of education's standards and procedures for evaluating teacher training institutions
shall equal or exceed those of national or regional accrediting associations.
2. There is hereby established within the department of elementary and secondary
education the "Missouri Advisory Board for Educator Preparation", hereinafter referred to as
"MABEP". The MABEP shall advise the state board of education and the coordinating board
for higher education regarding matters of mutual interest in the area of quality educator
preparation programs in Missouri. The advisory board shall include at least three active
elementary or secondary classroom teachers and at least three faculty members within
approved educator preparation programs. The classroom teacher members shall be selected
EXPLANATION — Matter enclosed in bold-faced brackets [thus] in the above bill is not enacted and is
intended to be omitted from the law. Matter in bold-face type in the above bill is proposed language.
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to represent various regions of the state and districts of different sizes. The faculty
representatives shall represent institutions from various regions of the state and sizes of
programs. The advisory board shall hold regular meetings that allow members to share needs
and concerns and plan strategies to enhance teacher preparation.
3. Upon approval by the state board of education of the teacher education program at
a particular teacher training institution, any person who graduates from that program, and
who meets other requirements which the state board of education shall prescribe by rule,
regulation and statute shall be granted a certificate or license to teach in the public schools of
this state. However, no such rule or regulation shall require that the program from which the
person graduates be accredited by any national or regional accreditation association.
4. The state board of education shall, in consultation with MABEP, align literacy and
reading instruction coursework for teacher education programs in early childhood,
kindergarten to fifth grade elementary teacher certification, middle school communication
arts, high school communication arts, and all reading and special education certificates to
include the following:
(1) Teacher candidates shall receive classroom and clinical training in:
(a) The core components of reading, including phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency,
comprehension, morphology, syntax, and vocabulary;
(b) Oral and written language development; and
(c) Identification of reading deficiencies, dyslexia, and other language difficulties;
and
(2) Teacher candidates shall also have training on:
(a) The selection and use of high-quality reading curricula and instructional
materials;
(b) The administration and interpretation of assessments; and
(c) How to translate assessment results into effective practice in the classroom
specific to the needs of students[; and
(d) Additional best practices in the field of literacy instruction as recommended by
the literacy advisory council pursuant to section 186.080].
5. Beginning July 1, 2027, the department of elementary and secondary
education shall annually review and publicly report on the compliance of educator
preparation programs with subsection 4 of this section. The review shall include an
evaluation of whether instruction is grounded in the components of evidence-based
reading instruction, such as phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary,
comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. Educator preparation programs
not in compliance with subsection 4 of this section shall not be approved to certify new
teachers.
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6. Any rule or portion of a rule, as that term is defined in section 536.010, that is
created under the authority delegated in this section shall become effective only if it complies
with and is subject to all of the provisions of chapter 536 and, if applicable, section 536.028.
This section and chapter 536 are nonseverable and if any of the powers vested with the
general assembly pursuant to chapter 536 to review, to delay the effective date, or to
disapprove and annul a rule are subsequently held unconstitutional, then the grant of
rulemaking authority and any rule proposed or adopted after August 28, 2014, shall be invalid
and void.
161.241. 1. The state board of education, in collaboration with the coordinating
board for higher education [and the commissioner's advisory council under section 186.080],
shall develop a plan to establish a comprehensive system of services for reading instruction.
2. The state board of education shall establish and periodically update a statewide
literacy plan that supports high quality, evidence-based reading instruction for all students.
3. The state board of education shall create an office of literacy. The commissioner of
education shall coordinate staff with roles relating to literacy and align staff work around
supporting best practices in reading instruction.
4. The state board of education shall align literacy and reading instruction coursework
for teacher education programs as required under subsection 4 of section 161.097.
5. Subject to appropriation, the department of elementary and secondary education
shall recruit and employ quality teacher trainers with expertise in reading instruction and
provide opportunities for evidence-based professional development in reading instruction
available for all active teachers.
6. The department shall maintain and publish data on reading outcomes, provided that
the report shall not include individually identifiable student data.
7. The department shall publish criteria and examples to help districts and schools
select and use evidence-based reading curricula and instructional materials. Additionally, the
department shall publish a list of curricula that ensure instruction is explicit, systematic,
diagnostic, and based on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary,
comprehension, morphology, syntax, and semantics. This shall be a resource to districts.
8. The department shall provide online tools and training for all active teachers
teaching in kindergarten through grade three on evidence-based reading instruction.
9. There is hereby created in the state treasury the "Evidence-based Reading
Instruction Program Fund". The fund shall be administered by the department and used to
reimburse school districts and charter schools for efforts to improve student literacy,
including, but not limited to: initiatives that provide optional training and materials to
teachers regarding best practices in reading pedagogies; resources for parents and guardians
to assist them in teaching their children to read; funding for reading tutoring programs inside
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or outside of regular school hours; stipends for teachers who undergo additional training in
reading instruction, which may also count toward professional development requirements;
and funding for summer reading programs. The fund shall consist of moneys appropriated
annually by the general assembly from general revenue to such fund, any moneys paid into
the state treasury and required by law to be credited to such fund, and any gifts, bequests, or
donations to such fund. The fund shall be kept separate and apart from all other moneys in
the state treasury and shall be paid out by the state treasurer pursuant to chapter 33.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 33.080 to the contrary, moneys in the fund at the
end of the biennium shall not be transferred to the credit of the general revenue fund. All
interest and moneys earned on the fund shall be credited to the fund.
10. Subject to appropriation, the department of elementary and secondary
education shall remit to each school district and charter school five hundred dollars for
each grade four student enrolled in such school district or charter school who exhibited
a substantial reading deficiency in any of grades kindergarten to grade three, or who
was identified as dyslexic, and who subsequently scores at the proficient level or higher
in reading on the annual summative English language arts assessment administered to
grade four students.
167.268. 1. Each school district and charter school shall have on file a policy for
reading success plans. Each school district and charter school shall provide all parents and
guardians of students, including parents of students who are identified as having a reading
deficiency or substantial reading deficiency [in reading] under [subsection 1] subsections 5
and 6 of section 167.645, with suggestions for regular parent-guided home reading.
2. The department of elementary and secondary education shall develop guidelines to
assist districts and charter schools in formulating policies for reading success plans. Such
guidelines may include, but are not limited to, measures of reading proficiency, strategies for
addressing reading deficiencies, timelines for measuring pupil improvement in reading, and
information on screening of dyslexia. Such guidelines may also identify performance levels
for pupils identified as handicapped or severely handicapped and conditions under which
such pupils may be exempt from the provisions of this section and section 167.645.
3. Each school district and charter school shall provide intensive reading instruction
to students as provided in section 167.645.
167.340. 1. The provisions of sections 167.340 to 167.346 shall be known and may
be cited as the "Read to be Ready Program".
2. Beginning July 1, [2000] 2027, if a school district provides reading improvement
instruction for students in kindergarten through third grade who do not meet the [district's]
state's objectives for reading as demonstrated by performance on the [district's chosen
methods of reading assessment] Missouri universal reading literacy assessment
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established in section 167.645, such students who receive reading improvement instruction
pursuant to this subsection may be counted for additional average daily attendance for state
school aid during their reading improvement instruction time if such time falls outside normal
school hours.
3. Reading improvement instruction [may] shall take the form of summer school[,
provided that the]. Such summer school instruction [addresses] shall address the reading
deficiency, additional hours of instruction, or such other methods as the district may select
including, but not limited to[,]:
(1) Smaller class sizes[,]; and
(2) Additional resources including:
(a) Computers[,];
(b) Reading specialists[,];
(c) Teacher and administrator training[,];
(d) Tutoring[,];
(e) Phonics instruction; and
(f) Use of parents and volunteers.
167.645. 1. (1) The "Missouri Universal Reading Literacy Assessment" is
hereby established as a uniform, universal, literacy-based reading assessment
administered to students in kindergarten through grade three in every school district
and charter school in the state. The literacy assessment shall score each student in one
of the following categories: "below basic", "basic", "grade-level", "proficient", or
"advanced". Proficiency benchmarks associated with these categories shall be
determined by the department of elementary and secondary education.
(2) Each school district and charter school shall assess all students enrolled in
kindergarten through grade three [at the beginning and end of each school year] for their level
of reading [or reading readiness on state-approved reading assessments. Additionally, all
school districts and charter schools shall assess any newly enrolled student in grades one
through five for their level of reading or reading readiness on a reading assessment from the
state-approved list] proficiency on the literacy assessment. Each school district and
charter school shall administer the literacy assessment during three annual
administration windows established by the department of elementary and secondary
education. The first such annual administration window shall occur within the first
twenty days of the school year, with the results of such literary assessment sent in a letter
to the student's parent, guardian, or other individual having control or custody of such
student within the first thirty days of the school year.
2. The department of elementary and secondary education shall provide the
literacy assessment at no cost to school districts and charter schools.
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3. The literacy assessment shall:
(1) Be appropriate for students in kindergarten through grade three;
(2) Be used to comply with the dyslexia screening requirements established in
section 167.950; and
(3) Screen for characteristics of dyslexia and reading deficiency and assess the
following skills as developmentally appropriate:
(a) Phonological and phonemic awareness;
(b) Sound-symbol recognition;
(c) Alphabet knowledge;
(d) Decoding;
(e) Rapid naming;
(f) Encoding; and
(g) Oral reading fluency.
4. Student results on the literacy assessment shall not be used to make decisions
concerning the accreditation classification of a public school or school district.
5. At the beginning of the school year, each school district and charter school shall
provide a reading success plan to any student who:
(1) Exhibits a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency [in reading which
creates a barrier to] that impedes the child's progress learning to read. The identification of
such deficiency may be based upon the most recent assessments [or teacher observation]; or
(2) Has been identified as being at risk of dyslexia in [the] a statewide dyslexia
screening or has a formal diagnosis of dyslexia.
6. (1) For the purposes of this section, a reading deficiency shall refer to a student
who scores "basic" on the literacy assessment, and a substantial reading deficiency shall
refer to a student who [is one or more grade level or levels behind in reading or reading
readiness] scores below "below basic" on the literacy assessment; provided that nothing in
this section shall be interpreted to prevent a school district or charter school from offering a
reading success plan to any student based on an assessment completed [at the start and end of
the school year] during the three administration windows or based on teacher observation.
(2) For any student entering the school district or charter school after the start of the
school year, such student shall be:
(a) Assessed within the first twenty school days after entering such school; and
(b) Provided a reading success plan in the event the student has been identified as
having a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency based on the student's most
recent assessment [or otherwise being identified through teacher observation. The student's
reading proficiency shall be reassessed by reading assessments on the state-approved list].
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The student shall continue to be provided with intensive reading instruction under a reading
success plan until the reading deficiency is remedied.
[2.] 7. The district or charter school shall notify the parent or guardian of any student
in kindergarten through grade three who exhibits a reading deficiency or substantial reading
deficiency [in reading], as described in [subsection 1] subsections 5 and 6 of this section, at
least annually in writing and within thirty days after identification of a reading deficiency
or a modification to services provided to the student for a reading deficiency, and in an
appropriate, alternative manner for the parent or other guardian if necessary, of the following:
(1) That the child has been identified as having a reading deficiency or substantial
reading deficiency [in reading];
(2) A description of the services currently provided to the child;
(3) A description of the proposed supplemental instructional services and supports
that the school district will provide to the child that are designed to remediate the identified
area of reading deficiency. For students identified as being at risk of dyslexia or those that
have a diagnosis of dyslexia the district shall provide an explanation that the instruction that
will be used to teach the child reading shall be explicit, systematic, and diagnostic and based
on phonological awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, morphology,
syntax, and semantics;
(4) Strategies for parents and guardians to use in helping the child succeed in reading
proficiency, including but not limited to the promotion of parent-guided home reading;
(5) That if the child has a substantial reading deficiency that is not corrected by
the end of grade three, the child shall not be promoted to grade four unless the child
qualifies for a good cause exemption under subsections 8 and 9 of this section.
[3. If the] 8. A school district or charter school [provides] providing a summer
reading program under this section[, the district or charter school] shall notify the parent or
guardian of each student who exhibits a reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency
[in reading of the opportunity to] that the student is required to attend the summer reading
program.
[4.] 9. (1) Beginning in the 2027-28 school year and continuing in all subsequent
school years, if a student has a substantial reading deficiency at the end of third grade[, the
student's parent or guardian and appropriate school staff shall discuss whether the student
should be retained in grade level, based on a consideration of all relevant factors, including
the reading deficiency, the student's progress in other subject areas, and the student's overall
intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. A decision to promote or retain a
student with a substantial reading deficiency at the end of grade three shall be made only after
direct personal consultation with the student's parent or guardian and after the formulation of
a specific plan of action to remedy the student's reading deficiency] as determined by the
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department of elementary and secondary education based upon such student's
performance on the literacy assessment, the student shall be retained in grade three
unless:
(a) Such student scores "basic" or higher on a retest opportunity under
subdivision (2) of this subsection; or
(b) Such student qualifies for a good cause exemption under subsections 10 and
11 of this section.
(2) A student retained under subdivision (1) of this subsection may be promoted
to grade four if the student successfully completes a state-approved summer reading
program and scores "basic" or higher on a retest opportunity through the literacy
assessment.
10. A student may be promoted to grade four despite scoring "below basic" on
the literacy assessment if the student has a good cause exemption. Good cause
exemptions shall be limited to the following:
(1) Students with disabilities who have an approved individualized education
program developed under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
(IDEA), 20 U.S.C. Section 1401 et seq., as amended, that indicates that participation in
the statewide assessment program is not appropriate, consistent with state and federal
law;
(2) Students with disabilities who participate in the statewide summative English
language arts assessment and who have either of the following plans reflecting that the
student has received intensive reading intervention for more than two years but still
demonstrates a substantial reading deficiency:
(a) An approved individualized education program developed under the federal
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. Section 1401 et seq., as
amended; or
(b) A 504 plan created under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of
1973, 29 U.S.C. Section 794, as amended;
(3) Students identified as English language learners who have had fewer than
two years of instruction in an English language learner program; and
(4) Students who have already been retained at least once in any of grades
kindergarten through grade three.
11. Requests for a good cause exemption shall be made in accordance with the
following requirements:
(1) Documentation shall be submitted from the student's teacher to the school
principal indicating that the promotion of the student is appropriate. Such
documentation shall consist only of the good cause exemption being requested and
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the existing reading improvement plan or individualized education program, as
applicable; and
(2) The school principal shall review and discuss the recommendation with the
teacher and make the determination as to whether the student qualifies for one of the
good cause exemptions described in subsection 10 in this section. If the school principal
determines that the student is eligible for one of the good cause exemptions based on the
documentation provided, the school principal shall make such recommendation in
writing to the superintendent of the school district. The superintendent shall accept or
reject the school principal's recommendation in writing.
12. (1) The school district shall assist schools with providing written notification
to the parent or guardian of any student who is retained about the following:
(a) That such student has not met the reading level required for promotion;
(b) The reasons the student is not eligible for a good cause exemption; and
(c) That such student will be retained in grade three.
(2) The notification required under subdivision (1) of this subsection shall
include a description of the proposed interventions and supports that will be provided to
the child to remedy the identified area or areas of reading deficiency in the following
school year.
13. A student retained under subsection 7 of this section shall be provided
intensive reading intervention to remedy the student's specific reading deficiency. The
reading intervention services shall include effective instructional strategies to accelerate
student progress. Each school district shall conduct a review of student reading
improvement plans for all students retained in grade three. The review shall address
additional supports and services, as described in this subsection, needed to remedy each
identified area of reading deficiency.
14. A school district shall provide the following for a student retained under
subsection 7 of this section:
(1) A highly effective teacher of reading, as demonstrated by student reading
performance data and teacher performance evaluations;
(2) Reading intervention services and supports to correct each identified area of
reading deficiency including, but not limited to:
(a) More dedicated time than the previous school year in scientifically research-
based reading instruction and intervention;
(b) Use of reading strategies or programs, or both, that are scientifically
research-based and have proven results in accelerating student reading achievement
within the same school year;
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(c) Daily targeted small group reading intervention based on student needs
including, but not limited to, explicit and systematic instruction with more detailed
explanations, more extensive opportunities for guided practice, and more opportunities
for error correction and feedback; and
(d) Frequently monitoring the reading progress of each student's reading skills
throughout the school year and adjusting instruction according to student needs;
(3) The option of a transitional instructional setting. Such setting shall
specifically be designed to produce learning gains sufficient to meet grade four
performance standards in all other core academic areas while continuing to correct each
area of reading deficiency;
(4) Before or after school, or both, supplemental research-based reading
intervention delivered by a teacher or tutor with specialized reading training; and
(5) A "Read at Home" plan outlined in a parental contract including, but not
limited to, participation in parent training workshops or regular parent-guided home
reading activities, or both, that are aligned to scientifically based reading research.
15. Each school district shall establish at each school, where applicable, an
intensive acceleration class for any student retained in grade three under subsection 7 of
this section who was previously retained in kindergarten, grade one, or grade two. The
intensive acceleration class shall include criteria established in subsection 14 of this
section and:
(1) Have a reduced teacher-student ratio; and
(2) Provide explicit, systematic, sequential, and cumulative reading instruction
and intervention for the majority of student contact time each day.
[5.] 16. Each school district or charter school shall do all of the following:
(1) Provide students who are identified as having a reading deficiency or substantial
reading deficiency [in reading] under [subsection 1] subsections 5 and 6 of this section, have
been identified as being at risk of dyslexia in the statewide dyslexia screening, or have a
formal diagnosis of dyslexia with intensive instructional services and supports specified in a
reading success plan, as appropriate according to student need, free of charge, to remediate
the identified areas of reading deficiency, including additional scientific, evidence-based
reading instruction and other strategies prescribed by the school district or charter school
which may include but are not limited to the following:
(a) Small group or individual instruction;
(b) Reduced teacher-student ratios;
(c) More frequent progress monitoring;
(d) Tutoring or mentoring;
(e) Extended school day, week, or year; and
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(f) Summer reading programs;
(2) For any student with a formal diagnosis of dyslexia or for a student who was
found to be at risk of dyslexia in the statewide dyslexia screening, the school district or
charter school shall provide evidence-based reading instruction that addresses phonology,
sound-symbol association, syllable instruction, morphology, syntax, and semantics provided
through systematic, cumulative, explicit, and diagnostic methods;
(3) At regular intervals, but no less than four times per year in a manner that reflects
progress through each school term, notify the parent or guardian of academic and other
progress being made by the student and give the parent or guardian other useful information;
(4) In addition to required reading enhancement and acceleration strategies, provide
all parents of students, including parents of students who are identified as having a reading
deficiency or substantial reading deficiency [in reading] under [subsection 1] subsections 5
and 6 of this section, with a plan that includes suggestions for regular parent-guided home
reading.
[6.] 17. Each school district and charter school shall ensure that intensive reading
instruction through a reading development initiative shall be provided to each kindergarten
through grade [five] three student who is assessed as exhibiting a reading deficiency or
substantial reading deficiency [in reading]. In addition to the requirements otherwise
provided, such instruction shall also comply with all of the following criteria:
(1) Be provided to all kindergarten through grade [five] three students who exhibit a
reading deficiency or substantial reading deficiency [in reading] under this section. The
assessments shall measure phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and
comprehension;
(2) Be provided during regular school hours;
(3) Provide a reading curriculum that meets the requirements of section 170.014, and
at a minimum has the following specifications:
(a) Assists students assessed as exhibiting a reading deficiency or substantial
reading deficiency [in reading] to develop the skills to read at grade level;
(b) Provides skill development in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary,
and comprehension;
(c) Includes a scientifically based and reliable assessment;
(d) Provides initial and ongoing analysis of each student's reading progress; and
(e) Provides a curriculum in core academic subjects to assist the student in
maintaining or meeting proficiency levels for the appropriate grade in all academic subjects.
[7.] 18. School districts and charter schools shall report to the department the specific
intensive reading interventions and supports implemented by the school district or charter
school pursuant to this section as well as the reading assessment data collected for grades
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kindergarten through [five] three. The department shall annually prescribe the components
of required or requested reports.
[8.] 19. (1) Each school district and charter school shall address reading proficiency
as part of its comprehensive school improvement plan, drawing upon information about
children from assessments conducted pursuant to subsection 1 of this section and the
prevalence of deficiencies identified by classroom, elementary school, and other student
characteristics. As part of its comprehensive school improvement plan or contract, each
school district or charter school shall review chronic early elementary absenteeism for its
impact on literacy development. If more than fifteen percent of an attendance center's
students are not at grade level in reading by the end of third grade, the comprehensive school
improvement plan or contract shall include strategies to reduce that percentage, including
school and community strategies to raise the percentage of students who are proficient in
reading.
(2) Each school district and charter school shall provide professional development
services to enhance the skills of elementary teachers in responding to children's unique
reading issues and needs and to increase the use of evidence-based strategies.
20. Each district school board shall, by October first of each year, report in
writing to the department of elementary and secondary education the following
information regarding the immediately preceding school year:
(1) The school board's policies and procedures regarding student retention and
promotion;
(2) By grade level, the number and percentage of all students in grades
kindergarten through three with reading deficiencies or substantial reading deficiencies;
(3) By grade level, the number and percentage of all students retained in grades
kindergarten to three due to substantial reading deficiencies; and
(4) The total number and percentage of students in grade three who were
promoted with good cause exemptions, delineated by each category of good cause
exemption specified in subsections 5 and 6 of this section.
21. Each public school shall make available to the public the title and author of
all reading curriculum materials adopted for each grade and the recommended reading
level for such materials.
[186.080. 1. The commissioner of education shall establish a literacy
advisory council. The council shall consist of no more than twenty members,
appointed by the commissioner, and shall include members representing the
following stakeholder groups:
(1) School boards;
(2) Charter schools;
(3) School superintendents;
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(4) Elementary and secondary building principals;
(5) At least three teachers, including at least two teachers with
expertise in reading instruction;
(6) At least two special education educators;
(7) At least two parents of elementary and secondary school-age
pupils who have struggled with literacy proficiency;
(8) At least two community members who have struggled with literacy
proficiency or supported others who have struggled with literacy proficiency,
at least one of whom shall be a high school student;
(9) One member from a dyslexia advocacy group;
(10) Faculty members of institutions of higher education with
approved teacher preparation programs;
(11) Professionals with expertise in reading instruction, reading
interventions, and how students learn to read including one certified academic
language therapist; and
(12) Professionals with expertise in educational assessment data
analysis.
2. The council shall meet at least twice per year to review best
practices in literacy instruction and related policy provisions. The department
shall provide necessary staff and resources for the work of the advisory
council.
3. The council shall periodically provide recommendations to the
commissioner and the state board of education regarding any identified
improvements to literacy instruction and policy for students. The
recommendations may include recommendations for changes to state law,
and the commissioner shall furnish any such recommendations to the joint
committee on education.
4. The council recommendations shall:
(1) Advise the department of elementary and secondary education on
how to implement and maintain the statewide literacy plan required under
section 161.241 and advise the department, school districts, and charter
schools on ways to inform and engage parents and other community members
about the literacy plan;
(2) Provide advice as to what services the department should provide
to school districts and charter schools to support implementation of the plan
and on staffing levels and resources needed at the department to support the
statewide effort to improve literacy;
(3) Provide advice regarding the statewide plan for collecting literacy-
related data that informs:
(a) Literacy instructional practices;
(b) Teacher professional development in the field of literacy;
(c) What proficiencies and skills should be measured through literacy
assessments and how those assessments are incorporated into local assessment
plans; and
(d) How to identify school progress in achieving literacy outcomes,
including closing literacy gaps for students from historically underserved
populations;
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(4) Recommend best practices for tiered literacy instruction within a
multitiered system of supports to best improve and sustain literacy proficiency;
(5) Review literacy assessments and outcomes and provide ongoing
advice as to how to continuously improve those outcomes and sustain
improvement; and
(6) Provide a means for members of the public to provide input and
ask questions concerning literacy issues.]

Creates, repeals, and modifies provisions relating to literacy of elementary school students

Sponsors

Rep. Ed Lewis (R) sponsors HB 2914 alone.

Committees

HB 2914 went before 1 committee: Emerging Issues.

Emerging Issues
Emerging Issues
Referred to · May 15, 2026 · 1,249 Bills

History

HB 2914 has taken 3 actions since Jan 12, 2026, the latest on May 15, 2026.

ChamberAction
May 15, 2026
House
Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
Jan 13, 2026
House
Read Second Time (H)
Jan 12, 2026
House
Introduced and Read First Time (H)

Votes

HB 2914 has not gone to a roll call.


Source: house.mo.gov · legiscan.com