U.S. Sen. Tim Scott joined colleagues in introducing the READ Act, aimed at strengthening evidence-based reading instruction and early literacy screening nationwide.
Based on a release from U.S. Sen. Tim Scott.
WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., joined Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Maggie Hassan, D-N.H., in cosponsoring the Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development Act, according to the Office of Sen. Tim Scott.
The bill seeks to address what the office described as a national literacy crisis by strengthening evidence-based literacy instruction, requiring early literacy screening, and providing more resources to states, local communities and parents.
“Literacy is one of the most valuable tools in life we can give students, but our nation is seeing a decline in reading outcomes,” Scott said. “The READ Act strengthens federal literacy grants and helps our education system return to proven, evidence-based reading practices, which is especially important for kids growing up in low-income communities like I did.”
Cassidy said capable students are dropping out of high school because they were never taught to read, and that children with dyslexia are being left behind without early testing and proper resources.
Hassan said only one in three students leave high school as proficient readers and called for bipartisan work on the bill, which she said builds on research showing how students learn to read most effectively.
U.S. Sens. Jim Banks, R-Ind., John Hickenlooper, D-Colo., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., also joined in introducing the legislation, according to the office.
According to background information provided by Scott’s office, low literacy rates cost taxpayers an estimated $224 billion annually and result in nearly $40 billion in lost productivity for American businesses. The office noted that Mississippi rose from 49th in the nation to the top 10 in fourth-grade reading achievement after implementing literacy reforms, and that 44 states and the District of Columbia have enacted science of reading-related laws.
The READ Act would support evidence-based reading instruction, require early literacy and dyslexia screening, and help states strengthen literacy programs, teacher training and student support systems, according to the office.
Source: U.S. Sen. Tim Scott original release.
