R277-326. Early Literacy Coaches

R277.  Education, Administration.

R277-326.  Early Literacy Coaches.

R277-326-1.  Authority, Purpose, and Oversight Category.

          (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; and

          (c)  Subsection 53E-3-1002(2), which directs the Board to make rules to allocate funding for early literacy coaches.

          (2)  The purpose of this rule is to establish criteria for assignment of early literacy coaches in accordance with Section 53E-3-1002.

          (3)  This Rule R277-326 is categorized as exempt as described in Rule R277-111.

R277-326-2.  Definitions.

          "Early literacy coach" means a coach provided by the Board to assist LEAs with early literacy in accordance with Section 53E-3-1002.

R277-326-3.  Early Literacy Coaches.

          (1)(a)  The Superintendent shall provide, train, and assign early literacy coaches in accordance with Section 53E-3-1002.

          (b)  An early literacy coach shall meet minimum qualifications established by the Superintendent.

          (c)  An early literacy coach may perform responsibilities as directed by the Superintendent including those identified in Subsections 53E-3-1002(2)(c)(i) through (viii).

          (d)  An early literacy coach may not undertake duties unrelated to literacy coaches, as outlined in Subsection 53E-3-1002(2)(d).

          (2)  An LEA receiving funds for early literacy coaches may not charge indirect costs.

          (3)(a)  The Superintendent will determine which schools qualify for assistance from early literacy coaches taking into account the previous year's end-of year assessment data from:

          (i)  Acadience Reading, benchmark, and growth; and

          (ii)  RISE, English Language Arts proficiency.

          (b)  The Superintendent shall exclude data:

          (i)  for students who were not enrolled a full academic year; and

          (ii)  for schools scheduled to close the following year.

          (4)(a)  The Superintendent shall prioritize services under this program for schools identified in Subsections 53E-3-1002(a)(i)  and (ii).

KEY:  professional learning, prek-3, early learning, teacher development

Date of Last Change:  August 7, 2025

Notice of Continuation:  June 10, 2025

Authorizing, and Implemented, or Interpreted Law:  Art X Sec 3; 53E-3-401(4); 53F-5-214

Status of Rule

Effective August 7, 2025

Five-year review June 10, 2030

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Oversight Framework

Exempt

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Related Utah Law

Public Education Statutes
Title 53E, Chapter 3, Part 10, Early Literacy, specifically 53E-3-1002

53F-5-214

Other Statutes
None

USBE Administrative Rules
R277-100, Definitions for USBE Rules

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Related Federal Law

None

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Resources

None

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Contact Information

Primary Contact:
Denice Maedgen
denice.maedgen@schools.utah.gov
Teaching and Learning

Secondary Contact:
Julie Clark
julie.clark@schools.utah.gov
Teaching and Learning

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NOTE: The information on this webpage is provided as a service to users and the Utah State Board of Education is not responsible for any errors or omissions.

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