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Lawmakers in Pennsylvania have suggested science-based literacy legislation that mandates schools implement reading programs supported by scientific evidence and develop extra teaching materials for educators.
The two measures, enjoying backing from both parties, aim at guaranteeing statewide student access to educational programs that encompass phonics, word decoding, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension—all components identified by experts as crucial for teaching children how to read effectively.
These proposals are part of an ongoing effort spanning several years in Pennsylvania and across the country to make sure reading curricula align with scientific research on reading. According to data from last year, approximately one out of every three fourth-grade students in Pennsylvania demonstrated proficiency in reading.
national test scores
The legislation would expand upon
legislation
State legislators enacted legislation last year that created a science-based reading instruction program for educators and urged school districts to implement curricula grounded in research evidence.
One of the bills
The bill advanced by the Senate Education Committee earlier this month mandates that educational districts implement a reading curriculum supported by empirical evidence. Additionally, Senate Bill 700 stipulates that districts must assess every child from kindergarten through third grade for reading proficiency three times annually. It further requires providing educators with training focused on enhancing their skills in teaching reading.
“We know, through a very strong body of research spanning decades, that instruction aligned to the science of reading is the most effective way to teach kids how to read,” state Sen. Devlin Robinson, a Republican and one of the bill’s main sponsors, said in a statement. “This bill follows the successful efforts of other states and requires educators use the most effective methods, programs, and materials that are aligned to the science of reading.”
The legislation doesn’t specifically outline which evidence-backed strategies they anticipate curriculums will employ. Nonetheless, it mandates that schools must provide an annual report on the curriculum chosen each year.
Robinson highlighted that the bill permits local education authorities to retain their authority since it doesn’t require districts to adopt a specific curriculum. Instead, the suggested legislation enables schools to opt for any reading program provided it adheres to scientific principles of literacy.
The state’s Reading Leadership Council, established via legislation passed last year, is presently
in the process
Of creating a suggested list of literacy programs, set to be released in June. According to Senate Bill 700, school districts that choose a program from this list will qualify for grant money to cover the expenses related to teacher training and implementation of the curriculum.
The Reading Leadership Council is anticipated to publish lists of suggested reading screening assessments and professional development initiatives, as mandated by the bill for schools to utilize.
This aims to kickstart a significant movement,” stated Senator Vincent Hughes, a Democratic representative for parts of Philadelphia and co-sponsor of Senate Bill 700. According to him, legislators aim to make sure that reading education is grounded in “strong teaching methods” and intends to generate enthusiasm among people towards reading as well.
Meanwhile,
House Bill 684
The bill being reviewed by the House Education Committee aims to offer extra assistance to educational institutions and educators for adopting scientifically validated reading programs. This proposed law seeks to establish a grant system designed to educate teachers about the principles of effective literacy instruction. Additionally, it plans to introduce a role for reading coaches, enforce assessments to identify students’ reading levels, and allocate resources intended to encourage both hiring and keeping proficient reading instructors.
The funding for these programs will rely on the state budget as well as additional grants.
Multiple supporters have backed both pieces of legislation and are urging the state to allocate extra funds for reading assistance.
“It’s one thing to emphasize that structured literacy [and] the science of reading is crucial,” stated Julia Cadwallader, the managing director of the Philadelphia-based coalition.
Read by 4th
But truly making an impact for children will be evident when we allocate funds to support the systems that enable this transformation.
Pennsylvania reading advocates want state to move faster
Several other states, including
Indiana
and
Michigan
Recently, several states have enacted legislation requiring schools to instruct students using an evidence-based method for reading. In certain states where such curricula have been adopted, reading scores have shown improvement.
like Mississippi and Louisiana
.
However, in Pennsylvania, certain advocates have concerns that advancements have been insufficiently rapid.
“These laws are truly aimed at tackling the crisis, but we’re facing a shortfall here in Pennsylvania,” stated Rachael Garnick, who serves as the Pennsylvania coalition manager for the advocacy organization Teach Plus.
According to Garnick, it’s crucial for the state to invest funds in their science of reading programs to aid schools and educators. However, this has proven challenging, particularly due to
$4.5 billion gap
— recognized by state legislators — the gap between the funding that Pennsylvania’s most underprivileged schools require and what they actually get. Lawmakers are presently in talks over the upcoming state budget, set to conclude by June 30.
A trial run of fresh reading instructions in Pennsylvania has commenced in Philadelphia.
The previous academic year, the city’s school district
implemented a new English Language Arts curriculum
centered on the science of reading. Up until now, numerous educators have embraced the curriculum; however, some have expressed concerns to the district.
left them scrambling
To achieve this. The reading scores of students in the city are still significantly lower than both the state and national averages, with less than one out of every five Philadelphia fourth-graders managing to read at a proficient level, as stated in the report.
the nationwide evaluation outcomes from last year
.
Superintendent Tony Watlington
said earlier this year
He thinks that reading scores will get better in the upcoming years once the new curriculum has been completely implemented.
Garnick mentioned that she thinks more support and focus on the science of reading at the state level could significantly impact Philadelphia and across the state. Nonetheless, she pointed out that the demand still remains substantial.
This is truly an excellent initial jump, a solid starting point,” Garnick stated. “However, there’s still plenty of work ahead.
Rebecca Redelmeier serves as a journalist for the Philadelphia media outlet. Her reporting focuses on public schools, early childhood education, and various challenges affecting students, families, and teachers throughout Philadelphia. Reach out to Rebecca via contact information not provided here.
[email protected]
.
