Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill increases and improves early childhood literacy rates in Pennsylvania.

Highlights:

• Establishes a new process in which vendors and school districts can submit evidence-based reading curricula to be added to the list of approved curricula maintained by the Department of Education in Pennsylvania for K-3rd grade students beginning in the 2024-2025 school year (Sec. 1).

• Establishes a reading leadership council made up of 20 educators from across the state to maintain and develop reading curricula (Sec. 1).

• Requires the state Department of Education to publicly post universal reading screeners and literacy intervention approaches on its website and provide professional development to school districts and educators at no cost. (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text