(KFOR NEWS  August 24, 2019)  AP – A state law requiring Nebraska public school students to undergo the first of three reading assessments within 30 days of starting school goes into effect this school year.

The Omaha World-Herald reports that the assessments are designed to identify children who may have a reading deficiency in kindergarten through third grade. Under the law, students who are struggling must be entered into a special reading intervention program.

School officials in Omaha and Elkhorn say the new requirements will not significantly change how students’ reading skills are assessed in those districts.

Gregory Betts is the director of professional learning for Westside Community School in Omaha. Betts says the district changed its curriculum in 2015 to ensure that children leaving kindergarten have the reading skills they need to progress.

READ MORE:  Governor Ricketts says “Build the Pipeline”