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Committee retains kindergarten literacy readiness bill amid questions about past data and funding
Summary
The Finance Division I work session retained HB 671 after state education and vendor representatives described a pandemic-era pilot that used Waterford's technology and coaching supports. Lawmakers pressed for usage and outcome data, questioned how the program would be funded beyond a token appropriation, and asked the Department of Education to
The Finance Division I retained HB 671 after a work-session discussion focused on program history, results from a pandemic-era contract and outstanding questions about funding and outcomes.
Melissa White, division director for learner supports at the Department of Education, told lawmakers the program was run during the COVID-19 pandemic using relief funds and provided online pre-literacy supports to families statewide through a contract with Waterford. White said the early contract provided devices and internet access to families without them, and included coaching that guided parents through brief, daily learning sessions aimed at children age 0 to 5. The…
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