Literacy

Two proposed bills would create resources and incentives for districts to teach students to read using research-backed strategies, including phonics and word decoding.

The Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition cited data that just 1 in 3 state students can read proficiently by fourth grade.

Are the policies making students better readers? Some officials are encouraged.

Teachers are to begin — and end — every class with a literacy-based activity.

46% proficiency rate is the highest since the state raised its academic standards in 2010.

The revised policy also requires more tutoring for struggling readers who advance to fifth grade.

Lawmakers send bill to the governor, who signaled that he'll sign it

Senate and House still at odds over how to revise a 2021 reading and retention law

The proposal would widen criteria for determining which students could be held back — and give parents a say.

In a rare action, the state Board of Education passed a resolution questioning whether the 2021 law targets the right age group.