Bill would work on improving reading

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - A stripped-down version of one of Gov. Mitch Daniels' top initiatives has passed the Indiana Senate.

The Republican governor had supported a bill to hold back third grade students who can't read at grade level. The original proposal called for intensive intervention efforts for retained students.

Senate leaders said that would've cost money, and changed the bill to simply require the Department of Education and state Board of Education to create a plan to improve reading skills. The plan could include retention and other efforts. If the plan costs money, the board could ask lawmakers for cash to fund the program next year when lawmakers develop a new state budget.

The bill now moves to the Democrat-led House for consideration.

Watch the video to hear what Governor Daniels told NewsChannel 15 about this bill.

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