R277-326-3. Early Literacy Coaches

(1)(a) Each regional education service agency and each school district that is not within a regional education service agency shall provide, train, and assign early literacy coaches in accordance with Section 53G-10-804. (b) An early literacy coach shall meet minimum qualifications established by the Board including: (i) training in the science of reading; (ii) training in adult learning theory; (iii) data analysis training and experience, including in the benchmark reading assessment; (iv) experience providing professional learning to adults; (v) a master's degree in education is preferred; and (vi) a minimum of five years of elementary teaching experience is preferred. (c) An early literacy coach shall perform responsibilities consistent with Section 53G-10-804 and as directed by the employing regional education service agency or school district including those identified in Subsections 53G-10-804(2)(b)(i) through (viii), and beginning in the 2028-2029 school year, support the integration of social studies content into literacy instruction to enhance reading comprehension and content knowledge, in alignment with Section 53E-4-205. (d) An early literacy coach may not undertake duties unrelated to literacy coaches, as outlined in Section 53G-10-804. (2) An LEA receiving funds for early literacy coaches may not charge indirect costs. (3) A regional education service agency or school district shall ensure that early literacy coaching supports: (a) professional learning in the science of reading for: (i) educators in kindergarten through grade 3; and (ii) elementary principals and vice principals; (b) coaching of educators in kindergarten through grade 3; and (c) training of paraprofessionals consistent with Section 53G-10-804.