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House committee discusses early literacy study, scope and partners
Summary
Members debated a proposed early literacy study’s scope (pre-K through third grade or broader) and suggested partners including ELL and special-education teachers, Head Start, American Indian language/cultural specialists and library initiatives.
While waiting between bills, the committee discussed a proposed study on early literacy and how to define its scope and participants.
Chair Rexton said the study would address early literacy concerns. Representative Strand asked whether the study should focus on in-school early-literacy efforts (kindergarten through third grade) or include pre-school origins (ages 0–5). Several members—including Representative Thain, drawing on experience as a superintendent—said the study should emphasize 4-year-olds through third grade, noting benchmark testing at grade three as a key milestone. Representative Strand and others emphasized attention to pre-school and out-of-school influences on literacy, citing social media and at-home reading opportunities as factors in the problem.
Members suggested potential collaborators and data sources, including ELL specialists, special-education teachers, American Indian language and cultural specialists, Head Start programs and library initiatives that provide early-book access. Representative Nicole Kakos recommended looking at enrollment data for existing programs as part of the study.
What happens next: Staff will incorporate member input into the study draft; the committee discussed whether to spell out the age range explicitly in the study language.
