6A-6.0532. New Worlds Reading Initiative

(1) Administrator. The University of Florida (UF) Lastinger Center is designated as the administrator of the New Worlds Reading Initiative.

(2) District Responsibilities for Implementing the New Worlds Reading Initiative. Each school district must:

(a) Identify a point of contact to serve as the New Worlds Reading Initiative liaison between the school district and the administrator for the initiative, and between the school district and charter schools;

(b) Within thirty (30) days of identifying a student who is eligible for the initiative provide a parent or guardian with:

1. Information on the initiative using marketing materials developed by the administrator;

2. Information on parent training modules and other reading engagement resources available through the administrator of the initiative; and

3. The enrollment link to register for the initiative;

(c) Coordinate with the administrator to initiate book delivery on a monthly basis during the school year, which must begin no later than October and continue through at least June;

(d) Coordinate with each charter school it sponsors for purposes of identifying eligible students, notifying parents, and raising awareness of the initiative; and

(e) Partner with nonprofit organizations to raise awareness of the initiative through the following means:

1. The student handbook and the read-at-home plan under Section 1008.25(5)(c), F.S.;

2. A parent or curriculum night or separate initiative awareness event at each elementary school; and

3. Partnering with the county library to host awareness events, which should coincide with other initiatives such as library card drives, family library nights, summer access events, and other family engagement programming.

(3) This rule will be reviewed and repealed, modified or renewed through the rulemaking process five years from the effective date.

Rulemaking Authority 1001.02(1), (2)(n), 1003.485(5)(d) FS. Law Implemented 1003.485, 1008.25(5)(d)9. FS. History–New 8-16-22.