EDUCATION – Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding an Early Literacy Readiness Program.

S 1145 would require Idaho school districts and public charter schools to establish an Early Literacy Readiness Program for children aged 4-5. The program must be evidence-based, focus on foundational reading skills (including phonics, vocabulary, and comprehension), and include parent engagement. Schools could use existing literacy intervention funds to support the program, and the state board would annually evaluate its cost and effectiveness. The goal is to help students enter kindergarten prepared and reach grade-level reading by the end of third grade.