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Assembly hears split on $40M proposal to fund reading screeners while debate swirls over timing
Summary
The governor proposed $40 million in one‑time Prop 98 funds to support statewide implementation of universal K–2 reading‑difficulty screeners; department officials said delaying the formal risk‑identification screener until after 91 school days in kindergarten (46 for grades 1–2) would reduce over‑identification, while many advocates, literacy groups and parents urged preserving early screening windows so struggling readers receive timely intervention.
The committee’s discussion on reading‑difficulty screening centered on two linked questions: whether the state should provide $40 million in one‑time funding to support screener implementation and whether statutory language should restrict the earliest date when a screener that flags a student as “at risk” may be used.
A Department of Finance witness described the governor’s proposal for $40,000,000 in one‑time Proposition 98 funds to help local educational agencies cover screening administration costs and technical assistance while mandate claims are adjudicated. The DOF representative also explained proposed…
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