Legislation that puts an added emphasis on the importance of ensuring all public school students learn how to read by fourth grade won passage in the state House of Representatives on Monday.
The bill, which passed by a 201-0 vote, would require the state Department of Education to establish a teacher training course in the “science of reading,” starting next school year.
The statewide literacy program would be voluntary for public schools to participate. Its purpose is to train educators on how to identify potential risk factors for early reading deficiencies and instruct them in how differentiate instruction to improve reading outcomes.
It defines “science of reading” as evidence-based instructional and assessment practices that integrates listening, speaking, reading, spelling and writing in the development of oral and written language skills.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Ortitay, R-Allegheny County, now goes to the Senate for consideration.
According to the House Appropriations Committee, the fiscal impact of this proposal is estimated at about $350,000 annually. It states that the initial two years could be covered by federal COVID-19 relief dollars and later by the state education budget.
Similar initiatives have been enacted in other states although in some places it has been met with criticism by those who believe it represents an overly narrow view of teaching reading. But all agree that learning how to read particularly by the end of third grade is critical to future success.
Jan Murphy may be reached at jmurphy@pennlive.com. Follow her on Twitter at @JanMurphy.
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