R277-406-4. Early Literacy Plans -- LEA and Superintendent Requirements - Timelines

  (1) Beginning with the 2019-20 school year, to receive program money, an LEA shall submit:

  (a) a plan in accordance with Subsection 53F-2-503(4); and

  (b) other required materials within established deadlines.

  (2)(a) Any time before July 1, an LEA may submit its plan to the Superintendent for pre-approval; and

  (b) For each LEA that submits a plan for pre-approval, the Superintendent shall provide feedback in preparation for the LEA submitting the plan to its local board;

  (3) An LEA shall submit a final plan to the Superintendent by no later than August 15;

  (4) Notwithstanding Subsection (3), by September 1 an LEA shall provide to the Superintendent:

  (a) proof that the LEA's governing board reviewed and approved the LEA's plan in an open meeting; and

  (b) if necessary, a revised plan reflecting changes made to the LEA's plan by the LEA's governing board.

  (5) Within three weeks of an LEA submitting a final, local board-approved plan to the Superintendent, the Superintendent shall notify the LEA if the plan has been approved or if modifications to the plan are required.

  (6) If the Superintendent does not approve an LEA's plan, the LEA may, by October 15:

  (a) incorporate needed changes or provisions;

  (b) obtain approval for the amended plan from the LEA's governing board; and

  (c) resubmit the amended plan; and

  (7) If an LEA timely resubmits a plan that includes the required modifications, the Superintendent shall approve the plan by November 1.

  (8) If an LEA fails to timely resubmit an acceptable plan by November 1, the LEA is not eligible for funding in the current school year.

  (9) When reviewing an LEA plan for approval, the Superintendent shall evaluate:

  (a) the extent to which the LEA's goals are ambitious, yet attainable; and

  (b) whether the plan uses evidence-based curriculum, materials, and practices, which will support the LEA in meeting its growth goals.

  (10) All LEA plans shall be reported to the Superintendent using a digital reporting platform.