A get-tough approach to reading problems approved last year by the legislature might have backfired, sending lawmakers back to the drawing board. One lawmaker states during House debate “We forgot to ask teachers what they needed” in passing a law requiring schools to hold students back who are a grade level behind in reading. Cameron Representative Randall Relford’s bill would require summer school and extra individual instruction for students failing at reading. But Representative Delbert Scott of Lowry City worries about schools that might be lax in teaching kindergarten through third grade reading. Still, Representative Charlie Shields of St. Joseph says lawmakers changed directions when they talked with teachers. The House has given the bill first-round approval. Another favorable vote sends it to the Senate.
