Harrisburg, PA, November 12, 2025 —

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition today applauded the inclusion of $10 million in early literacy funding and comprehensive literacy language in the 2025–26 state budget signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro.

The final budget codifies key provisions from House Bill 684—requiring evidence-based teacher training, high-quality instructional materials, and universal early literacy screening—marking a significant step toward ensuring every Pennsylvania student becomes a skilled reader.

“Literacy is foundational to student success, workforce readiness, and civic participation,” said Rachael Garnick, Manager of the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition. “This budget is a meaningful down payment, ensuring educators are equipped with evidence-based training and materials that students need to thrive.”

The new literacy provisions require all Pennsylvania school districts to adopt evidence-based reading curricula and ensure teachers complete professional development in evidence-based reading instruction by the 2027–2028 school year. Districts must begin reporting to the Pennsylvania Department of Education on their selected curricula and teacher training progress by March 2026. The Coalition is closely following the playbook from Mississippi and other “Southern Surge” states, which have dramatically improved reading outcomes, aiming to replicate their success in Pennsylvania.

“These accountability measures are essential,” Garnick said. “They ensure that every district moves forward on a clear timeline and that the state can monitor progress toward the goal of ensuring every child receives effective reading instruction.” 

The Coalition praised bipartisan legislative leadership for prioritizing literacy this year, noting that the inclusion of both funding and policy language represents clear momentum toward comprehensive literacy reform. Key legislative champions include Representatives Jason Ortitay (R) and Justin Fleming (D) in the House, and Senators Devlin Robinson (R) and Vincent Hughes (D) in the Senate, whose leadership was essential in moving these provisions forward.

“At the same time, we know this is just the beginning,” Garnick continued. “We estimate that a full statewide transition to evidence-based literacy instruction will require an investment of roughly $100 million. We look forward to working with Governor Shapiro, the Pennsylvania Department of Education, and legislative leaders to ensure thoughtful, proactive implementation and to secure the resources needed to finish the job.”

Low literacy rates carry a steep economic cost for Pennsylvania. Fact sheets released earlier this year by the Coalition and Teach Plus PA show that low literacy levels cost the Commonwealth an estimated $113 billion annually in lost earnings potential.

“This is not just an education issue—it’s an economic imperative,” said Dan DeBone, Coalition member and President & CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce. “By investing in literacy now, we’re investing in the future strength of our communities, workforce, and economy.”

The Coalition also emphasized the importance of strong, sustained implementation of the new literacy provisions.

“This is a critical first step toward making Pennsylvania the fastest-improving state in fourth grade reading outcomes over the next decade,” said Garnick. “With only one in three fourth graders reading proficiently, our students cannot afford to wait.”

Teachers across the Commonwealth echoed the Coalition’s optimism.

“As teachers, we want nothing more than to see every child become a confident reader,” said Jessica Werntz, a Teach Plus Policy Fellow and elementary interventionist in Ephrata Area School District. “This budget is a strong step toward ensuring Pennsylvania teachers have the tools and training we need to make that happen. We’re grateful to our legislative leaders for recognizing the importance of getting this right––and we’re eager to help ensure it’s implemented well.” 

Since its launch in January 2025, the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition has advocated for comprehensive, evidence-aligned literacy policy. The inclusion of literacy language in the budget reflects growing bipartisan recognition that literacy is both an educational right and an economic necessity.

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About the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition

The Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, led by Teach Plus PA, is a nonpartisan alliance of educators, parents, nonprofits, and policy leaders committed to ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania learns to read. Through research, advocacy, and collaboration, the Coalition works to advance evidence-based literacy instruction statewide. For more information, visit www.paliteracy.org.