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Committee approves literacy endorsement and ESA clarifications in Senate Bill 358, 12‑0
Summary
House Education Committee voted unanimously to approve amendments to Senate Bill 358 that clarify literacy endorsement pathways and propose mandatory participation in teacher coaching cadres when funding is available; the measure also included clarifications related to educational savings accounts (ESAs).
The committee unanimously approved amendments to Senate Bill 358 that address literacy supports, teacher coaching and clarifications to Educational Savings Account (ESA) rules.
Committee members discussed language that would require—or, when funding is available, encourage—certain lower‑proficiency schools to participate in a teacher coaching cadre and to pursue the Science of Reading endorsement for administrators who oversee K‑5 instruction. Committee staff said the literacy endorsement pathway includes approximately 80 hours of coursework (Keys to Literacy and approved alternative providers were discussed).
Sponsor language also clarified that the department will work with stakeholders to publish lists of courses and to set effective dates for implementation. The committee accepted an amendment that narrows some provisions while clarifying that participation in the cadre is contingent on available funding.
Members also approved technical amendments to the ESA language to clarify provider eligibility and give the treasurer’s office enforcement authority, including account termination and potential civil penalties, if ESA funds are used inappropriately.
The committee moved the bill as amended by unanimous roll call (12‑0). Witnesses from United Way of Central Indiana, the Indiana School Boards Association and teacher groups testified in support of literacy and clarified the operational details of endorsement and cadre participation.
