House Bill 240 sets new state guidelines for how schools determine whether a kindergarten or first-grade student may need an additional year before moving on. The law requires that all kindergarten and first-grade students take a universal reading screener within the last 14 instructional days of the school year. All kindergarten students will take the STAR Early Literacy Assessment, and all first-grade students will take the STAR Reading Assessment during the final two weeks of school. In Simpson County Schools, Franklin Elementary, and Simpson Elementary, decisions about whether a student may remain in kindergarten or must repeat first grade will be based on whether the student has met reading benchmarks, mastered grade-level standards, and is ready for the next grade.
There are also some important limits and exceptions. A child who has already stayed an extra year in kindergarten cannot be required to repeat first grade, and a student can only remain in first grade for one additional year. For students who receive special education services, the ARC (Admissions and Release Committee) will make placement decisions. If a child remains in kindergarten or first grade for another year, the school will review and update that student’s reading improvement plan to ensure the right supports are in place.
In addition, schools cannot require a student who turns seven by August 1 to stay in kindergarten. This bill aims to make sure every child’s reading progress and readiness are carefully reviewed so that placement decisions are made with their best interest in mind.
Please take a moment to review the visual guide below for a simple overview of the new law and how it affects kindergarten and first-grade students. This information will be shared and discussed during Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 23 and 24, so it’s important for families to make arrangements to attend. These conferences will give parents a chance to ask questions, review their child’s progress, and understand what these changes mean for their student’s success.
If you have questions about how this may affect your kindergartener or first grader, reach out to your child’s principal. We encourage all families to schedule a time to meet with their child’s teacher during Parent-Teacher Conferences on October 23 and 24 to talk about progress and next steps.