Aument, Williams Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

Other states improved student outcomes and raised early literacy rates using a similar approach.

HARRISBURG - The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation sponsored by Sens. Ryan Aument (R-36) and Anthony Williams (D-8) to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with the resources they need to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by providing schools with a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools to identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

"Reading scores in Pennsylvania are down, with nearly half of our fourth-grade students reading below their grade level," Aument said. "In response to this concerning trend, we worked with education groups and associations to draft this legislation to provide schools with easily accessible resources that other states have successfully used to significantly boost their students' reading and writing skills. These resources are rooted in science and have a proven track record of reversing poor literacy rates among struggling students."

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with both urban cities and our rural communities alike struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone's chances of success.

Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina have shown how literacy skills can be improved for students when a comprehensive law is passed. For example, after Mississippi's literacy program was passed in 2013, the state rose from 49th in 4th grade reading to 21st in the nation. Senate Bill 801 is the first step towards implementing a comprehensive, evidence-based literacy program like these other states.

"Ensuring literacy for all Pennsylvanians is not just an investment in our children's future, but a step towards a more informed, empowered society," said Sen. Williams. "With this legislation, we are giving every student the tools to succeed and thrive."

Reps. Justin Fleming (D-105) and Jason Ortitay (R-46) sponsored the bipartisan companion bill to Senate Bill 801 in the House of Representatives.

"The establishment of the reading leadership council comprised of structured literacy experts to advise the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is a crucial first step toward ensuring that all students across the Commonwealth ultimately receive evidence-based literacy instruction," said Ashley DeMauro Mullins, Senior Legislative Director for ExcelinEd in Action, a stakeholder who helped draft the legislation. "The creation of transparent lists of high-quality instructional materials, effective screeners to identify struggling students, and evidence-based professional development programs will provide school districts with clear information and reduce uncertainty as they either continue or move to implement evidence-based literacy practices."

"The passage of SB 801 should be celebrated by teachers, parents, and students across the commonwealth," said Teach Plus Senior Policy Fellow and School District of Philadelphia teacher Kristyn Kahalehoe. "There has been an ineffective approach to literacy for far too long in Pennsylvania, and this is a crucial start towards solving a literacy crisis that has been plaguing our state and country."

Senate Bill 801 now awaits final approval by the Governor.

VIDEO: Sen. Anthony H. Williams remarks
Sen. Ryan Aument floor remarks (clip)
Sen. Ryan Aument floor remarks (full)

AUDIO: Sen. Ryan Aument floor remarks (clip)
Sen. Ryan Aument floor remarks (full)

PA students are struggling to read - we must help them (July 2023 joint op-ed by Sens. Aument and Williams)

CONTACT: Stephanie Applegate, (Aument's office)
Sabrina Hall, (Williams' office)

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