Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Committee hears bill to create statewide kindergarten literacy readiness program; Waterford Upstart proponents testify
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony on HB 671, a placeholder bill to establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program statewide; proponents including Waterford.org urged adoption and described an existing home-based model used in New Hampshire pilots and grants, while legislators pressed for program details and implementation safeguards.
Representative Mark Pearson introduced HB 671 on the committee floor as a framework to establish a kindergarten literacy readiness program statewide and to mandate reporting on whether the program improves kindergarten readiness.
Pearson said the bill is “in some ways a placeholder because it appropriates a dollar,” adding that the appropriation signals intent while program details are worked out: “Should the details seem wise to the governor and executive council, they would then proceed to fund it with whatever monies are available as they choose.”
Waterford.org representatives and their local counsel described an existing home‑based model, Waterford UPSTART, that they said has shown measurable reading gains in New Hampshire pilots. Rob Riley, senior director of community engagement at…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
