House panel advances substitute for literacy bill, adds phased implementation and reporting

The House Education Committee on Feb. 10 advanced a substitute to House Bill 12 95 that would require school districts to adopt or update literacy curricula aligned to the state English Language Arts learning standards and to phase in full implementation over several years.

Representative Wargacki, who briefed the substitute H‑3369.1, said the proposal "requires updated or purchased literacy curriculum and a comprehensive literacy program to be aligned with the state learning standards in English Language Arts." The substitute removes some prescriptive language from an earlier draft but preserves statutory requirements that districts provide reading‑improvement strategies for third‑grade students who are below grade level.

Why it matters: Sponsors and supporters said the bill aims to improve early reading outcomes by aligning curriculum and professional development with newly updated endorsement standards for literacy. Representative Pollet, a sponsor, argued the change is urgent, saying, "We need to do much better on reading and the science shows us how to get there." Supporters cited statewide reading proficiency concerns and emphasized teacher training and phased adoption to limit disruption.

What the substitute does: Among the changes described by staff, the substitute (H‑3369.1) would: - Require literacy curricula used with students in kindergarten through grade 4 to comply with specified requirements and establish staged adoption timelines beginning 09/01/2027 and full implementation no later than 09/01/2031. - Modify educator recertification rules so continuing education counts toward literacy endorsement only when offered by Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB)‑approved clock‑hour providers. - Change reporting by educational service districts and OSPI from annual to biennial beginning in 2030 for specified program participation metrics. - Restore duties for OSPI’s Center for the Improvement of Student Learning to identify effective reading instruction methods.

Amendments and committee action: The committee considered multiple member amendments addressing implementation timelines, reporting, educator access to the literacy training program, and a null‑and‑void clause unless the policy is funded. After debate and several voice votes on particular line‑item amendments, the committee incorporated adopted changes into the substitute. Vice Chair Shavers moved to report the substitute H‑3369.1 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation; the clerk recorded 17 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 excused.

What’s next: The committee reported the substitute to the full House with a due‑pass recommendation; the bill will proceed to subsequent House floor consideration and any fiscal committees for budgetary review.