Development and implementation of in-service reading instruction training program by priority school districts

(a) On or before July 1, 2001, each local or regional board of education for a priority school district pursuant to section 10-266p shall develop and implement a three-year in-service reading instruction training plan for the professional development of the district's school librarians, elementary school principals and not less than seventy per cent of its teachers in grades kindergarten to three, inclusive, provided spaces are available at the State-Wide Early Reading Success Institute for such training. (b) On or before October 1, 2001, each local or regional board of education for a priority school district shall revise the plan developed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section and implement such revised plan. The revised plan shall provide for a five-year school-based in-service reading instruction training program for the professional development of each elementary school's librarian, principal, reading specialist, special education teachers, speech and language specialists and classroom teachers in grades kindergarten to three, inclusive. Such plan shall (1) utilize the school-based training model developed by the State-Wide Early Reading Success Institute pursuant to section 10-221l, and (2) require the board of education to appoint a new or existing employee to serve as a school-based content specialist coordinator. The local or regional board of education may use funds received by the school district pursuant to section 10-265f for teacher training based on the plan.