An act relating to educator preparation and evidence-based literacy instruction

This bill requires all licensed Vermont educators to complete professional learning on evidence-based literacy instruction, with current teachers finishing by January 2025 and new teachers completing it within their second year of teaching. It also mandates that educator preparation programs be reviewed and updated to ensure they teach evidence-based literacy practices, including the development of a standardized examination to test candidates' knowledge in this area. Additionally, the bill extends the Advisory Council on Literacy through 2027 and requires state agencies to produce a report on college student retention in Vermont, proposing initiatives to improve career pipelines and community connections for graduates. The legislation also transfers rulemaking authority over educator licensing from the Standards Board for Professional Educators to the Agency of Education.