FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kellyn Harrison, Press Secretary
Kellyn.Harrison@iga.in.gov
317-232-9498
STATEHOUSE (Feb. 20, 2024) — Bills authored by State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) that would improve students' literacy skills and address cellphone use in the classroom passed the House of Representatives Tuesday, Feb. 20.
Senate Enrolled Act 6 would require the Indiana Department of Education to develop a method for schools to support and identify students in fourth through eighth grade who are at risk of not being proficient at reading.
SEA 6 would work in tandem with Senate Bill 1, a Senate Republican priority bill Raatz also authored this session. Where SB 1 would improve literacy instruction for students approaching and in third grade, SEA 6 would identify and support students who have already moved on from third grade.
"Many Hoosier students' future success is at great risk because they lack core reading skills," Raatz said. "These bills are the result of the state's education leaders' research and collaboration to ensure approaching and current third graders are receiving the best literacy education and fourth through eighth grade students with low reading skills are not left behind."
To better ensure students are paying attention to lessons in the classroom, Raatz also authored Senate Enrolled Act 185, which would require each Indiana school to implement a cellular device policy that appropriately limits the use of these devices in the classroom.
"Cellular devices can be distracting for anyone, especially students learning fundamental skills in the classroom," Raatz said. "Senate Enrolled Act 185 would ensure our students are paying attention to lessons being taught in the classroom instead of their phones."
SEA 6 and SEA 185 will now move to the governor's desk for final consideration. SB 1 passed the House Committee on Education Wednesday, Feb. 14 and is scheduled to be heard by the House Committee on Ways and Means Wednesday, Feb. 21, for further consideration.
To track bills on the governor's desk, click here.
Legislative calendars, agendas, vote tallies and proposed legislation can be viewed online by visiting iga.in.gov.
-30-
State Sen. Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond) represents Senate District 27, which includes
Henry, Union and Wayne counties, and portions of Franklin County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
