'Read to Achieve' retooling approved in Senate committee
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A North Carolina public school literacy program championed by Republican Senate leader Phil Berger that hasn't met expectations so far would get retooled in legislation advancing in the chamber.
The Senate education committee agreed Wednesday to Berger's legislation, which is designed to improve outcomes in the "Read to Achieve" program. Third-grade students can be held back if they don't meet reading proficiency levels. The program began in 2013, but a university study last year found little benefit from the program.
The measure receiving bipartisan support directs teachers to create tailored individual reading plans for at-risk children, modeling success in Mississippi. The bill also seeks more literacy training for teachers, giving them incentives to work in summer reading camps.
The bill next goes to another Senate committee.