The Science of Reading Act

Model Bill Info
Bill Title	The Science of Reading Act
Date Introduced	November 30, 2023
Date Finalized	December 22, 2023
Type	Model Policy
Status	Final
Task Forces	Education and Workforce Development
Keywords	Education

The Science of Reading Act

Section 1. Definitions

A. “Science of reading” means evidence-based reading instruction that focuses on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension and can be differentiated to meet the needs of individual students.

B. “Three-cueing model” means reading instruction that uses meaning drawn from context, pictures, or syntax as the primary basis for teaching word recognition.

C. “Teacher candidate” means an individual recommended for an initial teaching license from a teacher preparation program in [insert state].

D. “Teacher preparation program” means an entity that has been approved by the [insert state authority] to offer a course of study leading to an initial teaching certification.

Section 2.

A. Beginning with the [insert school year] school year, each local board of education shall adopt curriculum or supplemental materials for reading instruction that are aligned with the science of reading and the student’s reading proficiency.

B. Beginning with the [insert school year] school year, each local board of education may not adopt curriculum or supplemental materials for reading instruction that are based on the three-cueing model.

Section 3.

A. The [insert appropriate state authority] shall develop guidelines requiring teacher preparation programs to use curriculum or content that instructs teacher candidates on the science of reading.

B. Beginning [insert future date], the [insert appropriate state authority] shall require teacher preparation programs to use curriculum or content that aligns with the requirement in Subsection A of this section.

Section 4.

A. Not later than [insert future date], the [insert appropriate state authority] shall establish and require a literacy endorsement for all individuals who:

(1) Are obtaining a teaching license for the first time; and

(2) Will teach a content area involving literacy instruction, including special education, in prekindergarten through grade 5.

B. To be eligible to receive a literacy endorsement, an individual must meet the following requirements:

(1) Complete 80 hours of evidence-based professional development that is:

(i) Aligned to the science of reading;

(ii) Provided by an organization accredited by the International Dyslexia Association; and

(iii) Approved by the [insert appropriate state authority];

(2) Demonstrate proficiency in reading instruction skills aligned to the science of reading on an examination or through other procedures prescribed by the [insert appropriate state authority] in accordance with this section.

(C) Of the 80 hours of evidence based professional development required under Subsection B of this section, at least 40 hours must be completed through live sessions, which may be attended in person or virtually, taught by a certified facilitator.

(D) The professional development required under Subsection B of this section must:

(1) Promote explicit, systematic, and cumulative instruction as the primary approach to literacy instruction;

(2) Promote an understanding of how language, reading, and writing relate to each other;

(3) Promote strategies for differentiated instruction for students with reading difficulties, students with disabilities, and English language learners.

(4) Focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension; and

(5) Allow participants to implement the strategies into a classroom environment with the opportunity for feedback throughout the professional development experience.

(E) The examination required under Subsection B of this section shall ensure that the individual demonstrates the ability to:

(1) Effectively teach foundational reading skills, phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension;

(2) Implement reading instruction using high quality instructional materials aligned to the science of reading; and

(3) Provide effective instruction and interventions for students with reading deficiencies.

(F) The [insert appropriate state authority] shall approve and provide the professional development necessary for an individual to receive a literacy endorsement under this section.

(G) The [insert appropriate state authority] shall establish a procedure by which an existing teacher can add the literacy endorsement created in this section to their teaching license.

(H) The [insert appropriate state authority] shall promulgate rules that are necessary to carry out the requirements of this section.