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Senate committee advances literacy bill requiring district plans and department review of reading programs
Summary
SB153 requires districts to include a literacy plan in annual school improvement plans, clarifies professional‑development expectations, and directs the Department of Education to review and list bona fide science‑of‑reading curricula; the committee approved the bill after departmental Q&A.
Senate Bill 153, presented by Senator Elliott, would require each district to include a literacy plan in its annual school improvement plan, specify what curricula and professional development align with the science of reading, and empower the Department of Education to review and publish a list of approved science‑of‑reading programs and interventions.
"Really kind of outlining a role for the department to review programs, curriculum materials, and resources in three areas — dyslexia programs, reading programs and intervention programs," said Stacy Smith of the Department of Education, summarizing the bill’s key provisions. The legislation also clarifies which licensure tiers must demonstrate awareness or proficiency in the science of reading and adds greater specificity to professional‑development expectations for districts.
Committee members asked whether the department could lawfully review curricula and create an approved list. Smith and Commissioner Johnny Key said the department’s authority has evolved and that a review process is both feasible and necessary to prevent vendors from claiming alignment without meeting the law’s components. Ivy Pfeffer, identified as Department of Education staff, noted that charter‑authorizing panels could receive waiver requests under the Act 1240 waiver process, but teacher‑licensure waiver rules would still require science‑of‑reading proficiency or awareness under the bill.
The bill also expands expectations for higher‑education preparation and graduate programs, asking that teacher‑preparation curricula include science‑of‑reading awareness components. Committee discussion included questions about professional‑development funding streams and how waivers would be handled for charter schools. After discussion and opportunity for public comment (none recorded), the committee moved and passed SB153 by voice vote.
Next steps: SB153 advances from committee; department staff will implement review processes and guidance for districts and teacher‑preparation programs as outlined in the bill.
