K-3 reading; promotion; retention; penalties

HB 2480 requires Arizona school districts and charter schools to meet annual reading proficiency targets for third graders on statewide assessments (50% by 2027-28, 60% by 2028-29, 75% by 2029-30), withholding 10% of monthly state funding if targets are missed. Schools can submit approved remediation plans to regain withheld funds for reading instruction. The bill also mandates that third graders scoring in the two lowest reading levels cannot advance unless exceptions apply, such as for English learners, students with disabilities, or those demonstrating progress through approved assessments. Parents and teachers can request promotion with school board approval, and schools must provide evidence-based reading interventions for students not promoted.