Julie Clark and colleagues gave the committee a quarterly update on implementation activities tied to SB127, the law directing a range of reading and literacy actions.

Clark said the literacy work under SB127 is organized into instructional practices, professional learning and system supports. The State Board’s REMS committee completed another review round of literacy curriculum submissions and added approved programs to the state list; the committee will return to a regular review cycle in 2025 as submissions have slowed.

On professional learning, Clark said more than 10,500 educators completed all eight LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) units last year and about 500 more are finishing this year. She said roughly 300 school leaders have taken an extended LETRS administrator program and that additional cohorts will be offered this fall. The state also sponsored a train‑the‑trainer academy with Dr. Anita Archer attended by about 175 coaches.

System supports cited by Clark include the Science of Reading Excellence awards (19 recipients) and a second year of the Kids Read Now summer book distribution program. Clark said the state provided coaching services (EdConnective) and held a literacy best‑practice symposium that drew about 125 principals and coaches.

On higher‑education and licensure supports, Clark said the board established the foundations of reading assessment cut score at 240; that policy went into effect Sept. 1. Educators who do not meet the 240 cut score may pursue alternate pathways via newly created micro‑credentials that demonstrate competency sufficient for licensure in elementary, early childhood or special education.

Committee members asked how the state publicly recognizes exemplary teachers and how the work will be sustained across districts. Clark said nominations are accepted and that USBE staff observe classroom practice before awarding recognition. The literacy team said they will continue to offer coaching, cohorts and dissemination of bright‑spot practices to LEAs.