Bill Aims to Help All PA Children Learn to Read by Grade 3
HARRISBURG – The Senate Education Committee today approved a bipartisan measure sponsored by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Vincent Hughes (D-7) to ensure all Pennsylvania children are reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
Senate Bill 700 would use a three-pronged approach to improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction with evidence-based reading curricula and ensure educators receive the proper training on how to use that curriculum in the classroom. Second, it would identify struggling readers via universal screening within the first 30 days of school. Finally, schools and educators would use screening data to implement intervention plans to prevent children from falling behind.
Specifically, Senate Bill 700 would:
- Require schools to adopt evidence-based reading instruction curricula.
- Approve professional development programs that prepare educators to use structured literacy effectively.
- Implement universal screening to identify struggling readers.
- Design and carry out intervention plans to support those students.
- Establish a grant program to help districts offset the costs of implementation.
“Children learn to read in elementary school – and for the rest of their lives, they read to learn,” said Robinson. “We cannot allow another generation of students to fall through the cracks. I’m glad to work closely with my colleague in true bipartisan fashion on this strategic, proven approach that puts effective tools in the hands of teachers and real hope in the hands of families.”
The need for urgent action is clear: only one-third of Pennsylvania students are proficient in reading, and one in five American adults struggle to read basic sentences, limiting their ability to find employment, complete everyday tasks or participate fully in civic life. Nationally, low literacy costs the economy an estimated $2.2 trillion per year.
“Reading is fundamental, yet data shows an alarming number of students are falling behind,” said Hughes, Senate Democratic Appropriations chair. “This bipartisan legislation will give students and teachers the tools they need to take an evidence-based approach to reading and succeed. It’s a multi-pronged solution and a step in the right direction for the education of our students. It’s important that we treat the literacy epidemic with urgency to get all Pennsylvania students and their reading proficiency on the right track.”
Senate Bill 700 builds on successful reforms enacted in other states – such as Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee – that have adopted instruction aligned with the science of reading, resulting in notable gains in literacy.
With today’s committee vote, the bill advances to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACTS:
Stephanie Buchanan (Robinson)
Jessica Marpe (Hughes)