Missouri Revised Statutes Title XI. Education and Libraries § 170.014. Reading instruction act--reading programs established, essential components

1. This section shall be known as the “Reading Instruction Act” and is enacted to ensure that all public schools including charter schools establish reading programs in kindergarten through grade five based in scientific research.“Evidence-based reading instruction” includes practices that have been proven effective through evaluation of the outcomes for large numbers of students and are highly likely to be effective in improving reading if implemented with fidelity. Such programs shall include the essential components of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and all new teachers who teach reading in kindergarten through grade three shall receive adequate training in these areas.

2. Every public school in the state shall offer a reading program as described in subsection 1 of this section for kindergarten through grade five.