Education matters.

Provides that, for each school year, a school corporation shall conduct at least: (1) 54,000 minutes of instructional time for students in grades 1 through 6; and (2) 64,800 minutes of instructional time for students in grades 7 through 12. (Current law requires the following: (1) That a school corporation conducts at least 180 student instructional days. (2) That a student instructional day in grades 1 through 6 consists of at least five hours of instructional time and a student instructional day in grades 7 through 12 consists of at least six hours of instructional time.) Defines "instructional day". Simplifies and makes corresponding changes to reducing tuition support if a school corporation fails to conduct the minimum number of instructional minutes during a school year. Makes corresponding changes, including corresponding changes to the school flex program and to the calculation for determining full-time equivalency for average daily membership. Provides that the plan to improve reading skills of students must include a review of the reading skills of students in grade 2 and implementation of remedial action before grade 3 for a student if the student's reading skills are determined to be below the standard. Requires a school to submit a report to the department of education (department) that includes certain information regarding students whose reading skills were determined to be below the standard on the grade 3 reading skills evaluation. Requires the department to annually submit a report to the governor and legislative council regarding the information.