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Bill > SB700
PA SB700
PA SB700In evidence-based reading instruction, further providing for definitions and for evidence-based reading instruction curriculum and providing for reading screening, for reading deficiency and identification, for school entity duties and reading intervention plan, for parent notification, for grants to school entities, for funding and for reporting; and establishing the Evidence-based Reading Instruction Restricted Account.
summary
Introduced
04/30/2025
04/30/2025
In Committee
06/23/2025
06/23/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in evidence-based reading instruction, further providing for definitions and for evidence-based reading instruction curriculum and providing for reading screening, for reading deficiency and identification, for school entity duties and reading intervention plan, for parent notification, for grants to school entities, for funding and for reporting; and establishing the Evidence-based Reading Instruction Restricted Account.
AI Summary
This bill aims to improve reading instruction and literacy outcomes for students in kindergarten through third grade by establishing a comprehensive framework for evidence-based reading education. The legislation requires school entities to screen students for reading competency three times per year using approved universal reading screeners, identify students with reading deficiencies, and develop personalized reading intervention plans. Schools must adopt evidence-based reading instruction curricula by the 2030-2031 school year and ensure educators receive specialized professional development in structured literacy instruction. The bill creates an Evidence-based Reading Instruction Restricted Account to provide grants to school entities for implementing these requirements, mandates parent notification when students are identified with reading challenges, and establishes reporting mechanisms where school entities must annually report detailed data about student reading performance and intervention approaches. The Pennsylvania Department of Education will be responsible for developing and maintaining lists of approved reading curricula, screeners, and intervention approaches, and will work with a newly established reading leadership council to guide these efforts. The goal is to ensure that students can read at or above grade level by the end of third grade by providing targeted, scientifically-based reading instruction and early intervention.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Education
Sponsors (19)
Devlin Robinson (R)*,
Dave Argall (R),
Jarrett Coleman (R),
Jay Costa (D),
Marty Flynn (D),
Wayne Fontana (D),
Art Haywood (D),
Vincent Hughes (D),
Patty Kim (D),
James Malone (D),
Tracy Pennycuick (R),
Joseph Picozzi (R),
Nickolas Pisciottano (D),
Steve Santarsiero (D),
Nikil Saval (D),
Lynda Schlegel-Culver (R),
Pat Stefano (R),
Sharif Street (D),
Judy Ward (R),
Last Action
Re-referred to Appropriations (on 06/23/2025)
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