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Committee hears evidence and support for removing state Reading Recovery training requirement
Summary
Lawmakers heard testimony supporting repeal of state-level Reading Recovery training (HB 1529). Sponsors and tutors argued the program yields only short-term gains and the state has shifted to science-of-reading training; the Department of Education said it has not supported the program for over a decade.
Representative Kristin Noble introduced House Bill 1529 to repeal the state training program for Reading Recovery, telling the committee the program has at best short‑term benefits and the Department has moved to 'Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling' aligned with the science of reading.
Tutors and advocates: Nate Dwyer, a Manchester resident who tutors in underprivileged areas, criticized the Reading Recovery 'three cues' method as not only ineffective but harmful for struggling readers, saying studies show long‑term negative outcomes and arguing that phonics-based instruction (the science of reading) is more effective. Dwyer referenced state examples where shifts in reading instruction correlated with improved outcomes.
Department of Education: Nate Green, a DOE division director, told the committee the department has not supported the Reading Recovery program at the state level in over 10 years, corroborating sponsors’ representations that state-level support has lapsed.
Committee outcome: HB 1529 was moved and voted on in executive session and placed on the consent calendar; transcript records an 'ought to pass' motion and votes moving the bill forward.
