Strong Readers Act; Oklahoma Reading Excellence through Accountability, Development, and Standards (READS) Act; reading assessments; screening instruments; third-grade retention; annual reporting; good-cause exemptions; intervention services; intensive acceleration class; literacy coaches; funding; summer academies; alternative assessments; effective date; emergency.

HB 2944 (Strong Readers Act) requires Oklahoma public schools to administer standardized reading screenings for students in kindergarten through third grade to identify those not meeting grade-level reading targets. Students identified as struggling must receive a research-based reading intervention plan within 30 days, including additional instruction in phonological awareness, decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, plus access to free online literacy resources for families. The bill mandates third-grade retention for students who do not meet reading targets after interventions, with exemptions for students with disabilities, English learners, or those using Braille/sign language. Schools must also provide literacy coaches, summer academies, and annual reporting on student reading progress.