Harrisburg, PA, May 1, 2025 —

“The PA Literacy Coalition, a coalition of more than 50 organizations from across Pennsylvania representing cross-sector stakeholders impacted by the literacy crisis, applauds the introduction of Senate Bill 700 and House Bill 684—a bold, bipartisan effort to improve early reading instruction and address Pennsylvania’s growing literacy crisis.

SB 700, introduced by Senators Devlin Robinson (R–Allegheny) and Vincent Hughes (D–Montgomery & Philadelphia), and HB 684, introduced by Representatives Jason Ortitay (R–Allegheny) and Justin Fleming (D–Dauphin), both aim to improve reading outcomes by aligning instruction with the science of reading. Together, these bills represent a coordinated legislative push in both chambers to ensure that all Pennsylvania students learn to read proficiently.

The legislation would:

• Establish a statewide grant program to support schools in adopting evidence-based reading instruction

• Require schools receiving grants to provide high-quality professional development in the science of reading

• Mandate universal reading screening for all K–3 students three times per year

• Create systems for early identification, intervention, and accountability

“Pennsylvania is at a tipping point. Just one in three fourth graders is reading proficiently, and far too many students are being left behind,” said Rachael Garnick, Coalition Manager of the PA Literacy Coalition. “Legislation to address the literacy crisis is a game-changer—it provides the guidance, support, and accountability schools need to ensure that every child receives effective reading instruction.”

The PA Literacy Coalition has consistently advocated for comprehensive, evidence-aligned literacy reform that empowers teachers and supports students. SB 700 and HB 684 reflect many of the coalition’s core policy recommendations and demonstrate growing bipartisan and bicameral recognition that literacy is both a civil rights issue and an economic imperative.

“We thank Senators Robinson and Hughes and Representatives Ortitay and Fleming for their leadership,” Garnick continued. “We urge every member of the General Assembly to support this legislation and work to ensure it is backed by a $100 million state appropriation. Literacy is foundational to student success, workforce readiness, and civic participation. The time to act is now.”

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About The PA Literacy Coalition

The PA Literacy Coalition is a non-partisan coalition of more than 50 cross-sector organizations from across Pennsylvania working to advance evidence-based literacy education and funding. For more information, visit www.paliteracy.org.