Minnesota lawmakers advance Reid Act to promote science of reading in schools

In a passionate display of commitment to education, the Minnesota House recently passed the education finance bill, HF2433, which aims to revolutionize literacy instruction across the state. The meeting, held on May 16, 2025, was marked by fervent discussions about the importance of reading and the need for effective teaching methods that can truly make a difference in students' lives.

One of the key advocates for the bill emphasized the transformative power of literacy, linking it to broader societal issues such as poverty and incarceration. "Generational change happens when people can read," the representative stated, underscoring the urgency of addressing literacy challenges. The bill, which has been in development for two years, seeks to replace outdated teaching methods with a focus on the "science of reading," a structured approach that has shown promising results in schools.

The legislation introduces several significant changes, including a clear definition of the science of reading and the incorporation of dual language programs to support diverse learners. The representative highlighted the need for rigorous, evidence-based curricula, stating that previous methods had led to the exclusion of high-quality educational resources.

Moreover, the bill aims to enhance professional development for teachers, ensuring they are well-equipped to implement the science of reading effectively. A notable aspect of the discussion was the recognition that many teachers are not receiving adequate training in their preparation programs, leading to a gap in their ability to teach reading skills effectively.

The success of the science of reading was illustrated through the example of Monroe Elementary School, which adopted this approach before it was mandated. The school reported remarkable improvements in student reading proficiency, with 90% of its students meeting proficiency indicators. This success story served as a powerful testament to the potential impact of the bill on Minnesota's education system.

As the meeting concluded, the representative called for support from fellow lawmakers, emphasizing that the future of Minnesota's children depends on getting literacy instruction right. "We can't get this wrong," they urged, highlighting the critical role of reading in breaking cycles of poverty and injustice. With the passage of HF2433, Minnesota is poised to take a significant step forward in ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed through effective literacy education.