53E-3-1003.  Science of reading.

(1)  As used in this section:

Terms Used In Utah Code 53E-3-1003

  • Process: means a writ or summons issued in the course of a judicial proceeding. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5
  • State: when applied to the different parts of the United States, includes a state, district, or territory of the United States. See Utah Code 68-3-12.5
  • State board: means the State Board of Education. See Utah Code 53E-1-102
(a)  “Educator preparation program” means the same as that term is defined in Section 53E-6-302.

(b)  “Panel” means the science of reading panel that the state board establishes in accordance with this section.

(c)  “University teacher preparation program” means a program described in Section 53E-6-302.

(2)  The state board shall establish an expert science of reading panel consisting of up to six experts who have:

(a)  knowledge and a research background in the science of reading and the science of reading instruction; and

(b)  experience translating the science of reading into effective reading instructional practices.

(3)  The panel shall:

(a)  meet no less than once every quarter;

(b)  provide expertise to and serve in a consultancy capacity to the state board on implementation of:

(i)  the early literacy emphases described in Section 53E-3-1001; and

(ii)  educator preparation programs;

(c)  in consultation with the state board:

(i)  provide advanced professional learning opportunities in the science of reading and the science of reading instruction for public schools and educator preparation programs as needed to expand statewide capacity;

(ii)  partner with ULEAD, as that term is defined in Section 53E-10-701, to develop and implement an online repository of digital science of reading and science of reading instruction resources that is accessible to public school teachers, school leaders, parents, and educator preparation programs and associated faculty;

(iii)  develop professional learning modules to support teachers and school leaders; and

(iv)  coordinate with educator preparation programs, university teacher preparation program faculty, deans of education, and literacy leadership fellows to advance the science of reading and the science of reading instruction; and

(d)  take part in the hiring of the additional faculty members described in Subsection 53E-6-302(6) with two panel members participating in the hiring process.

(4)  The state board may collaborate with panel members to conduct periodic reviews of:

(a)  student outcome data;

(b)  science of reading and science of reading instruction implementation fidelity in public schools and educator preparation programs through onsite visits; and

(c)  advise LEAs regarding the science of reading and the science of reading instruction curriculum and intervention programs.

(5)  A panel member:

(a)  may not receive compensation or benefits for the member’s service on the panel; and

(b)  may receive per diem and reimbursement for travel expenses that the panel member incurs as a panel member at the rates that the Division of Finance establishes under:

(i)  Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107; and

(ii)  rules that the Division of Finance makes under Sections 63A-3-106 and 63A-3-107.

(6)  The state board shall provide staff support to the panel.

Enacted by Chapter 285, 2022 General Session