Bill > A00078

This bill requires school districts to provide evidence-based early literacy programming for students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, with a comprehensive approach to improving reading skills. The legislation mandates that instructional programs focus on key reading competencies including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and comprehension, while aligning with the state's Culturally Responsive Sustaining Education (CRSE) framework. Teachers in these grades will be required to complete professional development courses in evidence-based reading instruction, with current teachers able to demonstrate proficiency through existing training and new teachers needing to complete at least 35 hours of specialized training. The bill also establishes that the state education department will develop a list of approved, evidence-based curricula, create a grant program to help districts replace non-evidence-based materials, and provide literacy coaches in high-need districts. Additionally, school districts must provide parents with quarterly progress reports on their child's literacy development, and the commissioner must submit an annual report tracking students' reading progress, teacher training, and curriculum implementation. The goal is to ensure that students develop strong foundational reading skills to succeed in sixth grade and beyond, with a particular focus on supporting struggling readers and creating inclusive, effective literacy education.

Education

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A78