Strong Readers Act; requiring retention of certain third-grade students who have not demonstrated certain proficiency and do not qualify for certain exemption. Effective date. Emergency.

SB 1896 requires Oklahoma public schools to screen all kindergarten through third-grade students annually for reading skills like decoding and comprehension using approved tools. Students who do not meet grade-level reading proficiency after receiving targeted intervention must be retained in third grade, unless they qualify for exemptions (e.g., English learners with less than one year in an English-learner program or students with disabilities). The bill mandates that schools provide individualized reading intervention plans within 30 days of identifying a deficiency and allocate state funds to support retained students. It directly affects third-grade students and public school districts, with specific requirements for screenings, interventions, and parental notifications.