Surprise! Some
education policies can change kids’ lives for the better or worse. For once, there is good news in the science of reading legislation.
As of March 2023, 11 states instituted ESA programs that are awarded to families who choose to leave public or charter schools for other options. Families can use the funds to pay for a variety of educational services. These include tuition and fees for eligible private schools, tutoring, online education programs, therapies for special needs, textbooks or other instructional materials, and college savings plans. Regulation of ESAs varies from state to state. The states included are Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Mississippi, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Utah.
Ten states strengthened existing policies or adopted new ones in the science of reading. These were Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Eight additional states adopted other early literacy improvements, with four adding or protecting third-graders repeating third grade if behind—a proven strategy for improving literacy outcomes.
To strengthen early literacy policy, legislators in eight states also took action to include an outright ban on three-cueing. This technique teaches young students to guess at words instead of building sound reading and spelling skills. Florida, Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin all banned the practice and required its elimination from school curricula. Florida, North Carolina, Texas, and Wisconsin further banned three-cueing materials and practices in teacher preparation programs.
Thirty-two states have adopted comprehensive early literacy policies. One smart move is adding training for teachers in the science of reading. There is the added possibility of early literacy screening for students beginning in kindergarten. If needed, extra help can come as interventions such as individual reading plans, summer reading camps, and third-grade retention as a last resort.
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