R277-406-1. Authority and Purpose

  (1) This rule is authorized by:

  (a) Utah Constitution Article X, Section 3, which vests general control and supervision over public education in the Board;

  (b) Subsection 53E-3-401(4), which allows the Board to make rules to execute the Board's duties and responsibilities under the Utah Constitution and state law;

  (c) Subsection 53F-2-503(14)(a), which directs the Board to develop rules for implementing the Early Literacy Program; and

  (d) Section 53E-4-307, which requires the Board to approve a benchmark assessment for statewide use to assess the reading competency of students in grades one, two, and three.

  (2) The purpose of this rule is to outline the responsibilities of the Superintendent and LEAs for implementation of Section 53F-2-503 and the Board's administration of Early Literacy in the state, including to:

  (a) set expectations for LEA Early Literacy Plans;

  (b) establish timelines for LEA Early Literacy Plans;

  (c) provide definitions and designate assessments required in Section 53E-4-307;

  (d) provide testing reporting windows, and timelines; and

  (e) require LEAs to submit student reading assessment data to the Board.