Pennsylvania is facing a literacy crisis—only 1 in 3 fourth graders is reading proficiently according to the Nation’s Report Card (NAEP). It’s time to change that.
SB 700, introduced by Senators Devlin Robinson and Vincent Hughes, and HB 684, introduced by Representatives Jason Ortitay and Justin Fleming, are bipartisan bills that would ensure all Pennsylvania students receive evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the science of reading.
These bills would:
<ul>
<li>Require schools to adopt approved evidence-based reading curricula</li>
<li>Provide high-quality professional development for educators</li>
<li>Implement universal early literacy screening for K–3 students</li>
<li>Establish a statewide grant program to support these changes</li>
<li>Ensure accountability through transparent annual reporting</li>
</ul>
We’re asking you to send a message to your State Senator and State Representative urging them to support this essential legislation. It’s a necessary step toward ensuring that every child in our state can learn to read—and read to learn.
📄 <a href="https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb0700" target="_self"><ins>Read SB 700</ins></a> 📄 <a href="https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb0684" target="_self"><ins>Read HB 684</ins></a> &nbsp;

Every Child Deserves to Learn How to Read!

Tell your State Legislators: Support SB 700 & HB 684—comprehensive literacy legislation to give every child in Pennsylvania the reading support they need to thrive.

I’m writing to you as your constituent to urge you to co-sponsor and support SB 700, the bipartisan literacy legislation introduced by Senators Devlin Robinson and Vincent Hughes. This important bill would ensure that Pennsylvania schools adopt evidence-based reading instruction and that educators are equipped with the training and tools they need to help all students learn to read.

Pennsylvania is in the midst of a literacy crisis. According to the 2024 Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), only 1 in 3 Pennsylvania fourth graders is reading proficiently. Without strong early literacy instruction, far too many children fall behind—impacting not only their academic outcomes, but also our state’s workforce and economic future.

SB 700 offers a solution. It would:
- Require schools to adopt evidence-based reading instruction
- Ensure teachers receive high-quality professional development aligned with the science of reading
- Mandate universal literacy screening for K–3 students three times per year
- Establish a state grant program to help schools implement these changes effectively
- Include reporting requirements to ensure transparency and accountability

This bill builds on the momentum of Act 135 of 2024 and would bring Pennsylvania in line with national best practices, following the lead of states like Mississippi and Louisiana that have seen measurable gains in reading outcomes.

I also urge you to advocate for an accompanying state appropriation to fund the grant program and ensure successful implementation. Please express your support for SB 700 and the related funding to Senate leadership.

This is a critical opportunity to improve literacy outcomes across the Commonwealth—and I hope we can count on your leadership.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Support SB 700 & HB 684: Every Child Deserves to Learn How to Read!

Teach Plus

Please Support & Co-Sponsor SB 700: It's Time to Tackle Pennsylvania’s Literacy Crisis

I am writing to you as your constituent to urge your support for HB 684, introduced by Representatives Jason Ortitay and Justin Fleming. This bipartisan legislation would require Pennsylvania schools to adopt evidence-based reading instruction and provide educators with the tools and training they need to help every student learn to read.

Our Commonwealth is in the midst of a literacy crisis. According to the 2024 Nation’s Report Card (NAEP), only 1 in 3 fourth graders in Pennsylvania is reading proficiently. Without early, effective reading support, too many children fall behind—resulting in long-term consequences for our education system, workforce, and economy.

HB 684 offers a solution. The bill would:
- Provide teachers with high-quality professional development grounded in the science of reading
- Require universal literacy screening for K–3 students to catch reading challenges early
- Support data-driven instruction and interventions
- Create a state grant program to help districts implement these reforms effectively
- Ensure transparency and accountability through annual reporting on literacy outcomes

This bill builds on the momentum of Act 135 of 2024 and reflects best practices from states like Mississippi and Louisiana that have shown real progress in reading achievement.

Please support HB 684—and ensure it is accompanied by meaningful funding in the state budget—to give every Pennsylvania child the opportunity to become a strong, confident reader.

Thank you for your time and leadership.

Sincerely,