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House committee hears bill to require evidence-based early literacy instruction in Montana
Summary
The Montana House Education Committee heard testimony on HB 262, sponsored by Representative Rexton, which would establish a legislative policy favoring evidence-based early literacy for K–3 and ask districts to align curriculum and professional development to 'science of reading' principles.
The Montana House Education Committee on Thursday heard House Bill 262, a sponsor-led measure that would establish state policy endorsing evidence-based early literacy instruction for kindergarten through third grade.
Representative Rexton, the bill sponsor, told the committee "House Bill 262 is a policy statement" and said the measure directs districts and the Board of Public Education to make early literacy instruction explicit, systematic and responsive. Rexton cited National Assessment of Educational Progress results and research including the "Matthew effect," arguing that early gaps compound over time and that instruction should emphasize phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension.
The bill would…
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