Early literacy is critically important in shaping a child's educational journey, and a well-designed state-level approach will have a lasting positive impact on the academic success and overall well-being of our youngest learners in Pennsylvania. Reading proficiently by third grade lays the foundation for future learning, academic achievement, and success later in life.
But today, too many students in Pennsylvania are unable to read proficiently, threatening their futures and our commonwealth’s economy, workforce, and collective well-being. SB 801 and HB 998, the Literacy Achievement for All Pennsylvanians bills, would change that by ensuring that every child has access to high-quality literacy teaching and instructional materials. 
You can help! Take two minutes today to email your elected officials in Harrisburg and encourage them to help move these bipartisan bills forward this spring.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support the Literacy Achievement for All Pennsylvanians Bills!

HB 998 and SB 801 will ensure all Pennsylvania students have access to life-changing early literacy instruction and intervention.

As your constituent, I am concerned that only one-third of Pennsylvania 4th graders are reading proficiently according to the Nation’s Report Card, with even lower rates for students of color, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. This alarming decline in reading proficiency, which is mirrored by data from the 2023 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), is even more troubling given the overwhelming research on the link between early reading proficiency and future academic success, earnings, and life outcomes. 

SB 801 and HB 998, the Literacy Achievement for All Pennsylvanians bills, aim to ensure that all Pennsylvania schools adopt evidence-based practices and instructional materials aligned with the science of reading. By implementing these evidence-based strategies, we can provide a strong foundation for our students and significantly improve their literacy outcomes. These bills also prioritize early intervention for struggling readers, ensuring that they receive the targeted support necessary for their success.

Given the alarming decline in Pennsylvania's proficiency rates, it is imperative that we take swift and decisive action. Supporting SB 801 and HB 998 will send a clear message that we are committed to addressing the literacy crisis in our state. These bills provide a comprehensive framework that aligns with the evidence and research on effective reading instruction.

Neighboring states such as New York and Massachusetts have recently joined the nationwide movement to align early literacy policy with evidence-based best practices, and I urge you to sign on as a champion of these bills in Pennsylvania. By doing so, you will be taking a crucial step towards ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has access to the high-quality education they deserve.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our students. Together, we can reverse declining reading proficiency rates, close opportunity and achievement gaps, and create a brighter future for all Pennsylvania students.

Updated HB 998/ SB 801 Campaign

Teach Plus

As your constituent, I am concerned that only one-third of Pennsylvania 4th graders are reading proficiently according to the Nation’s Report Card, with even lower rates for students of color, economically disadvantaged students, and students with disabilities. This alarming decline in reading proficiency, which is mirrored by data from the 2023 Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA), is even more troubling given the overwhelming research on the link between early reading proficiency and future academic success, earnings, and life outcomes. 

SB 801 and HB 998, the Literacy Achievement for All Pennsylvanians bill, aims to ensure that all Pennsylvania schools adopt evidence-based practices and instructional materials aligned with the science of reading. By implementing these evidence-based strategies, we can provide a strong foundation for our students and significantly improve their literacy outcomes. These bills also prioritize early intervention for struggling readers, ensuring that they receive the targeted support necessary for their success.

Given the alarming decline in Pennsylvania's proficiency rates, it is imperative that we take swift and decisive action. Supporting SB 801 and HB 998 will send a clear message that we are committed to addressing the literacy crisis in our state. These bills provide a comprehensive framework that aligns with the evidence and research on effective reading instruction.

I urge you to join your colleagues in championing evidence-based reading instruction and advocating for the passage of SB 801 and HB 998. By doing so, you will be taking a crucial step towards ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has access to the high-quality education they deserve.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to the well-being and success of our students. Together, we can reverse declining reading proficiency rates, close opportunity and achievement gaps, and create a brighter future for all Pennsylvania students.

Tell Your Elected Officials to Support the Literacy Achievement for All Pennsylvanians Bills!

HB 998 and SB 801 will ensure all Pennsylvania students have access to life-changing early literacy instruction and intervention.

Message

Dear Office Holder (names will be automatically added on each email),