Rep. Houchin's Science of Reading Act passes House

https://youtu.be/nOee4OLIA_k?si=_UjbHpKEz8kjFYjg

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – A bill authored by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-District 9) passed the House of Representatives on Wednesday. 

The Science of Reading Act is a bipartisan measure aimed at strengthening literacy rates through instruction grounded in the Science of Reading.

The Science of Reading is a body of research that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension as pillars of instructional principles.

This bill would prioritize the Science of Reading in the deployment of federal literacy funds and will also bring federal policy into alignment with advancements in understanding how children learn to read. It also reserves grant funding to the most impactful and effective methods of instruction. 

Rep. Houchin authored this bill due to the declining literacy rates among American schoolchildren over the past decade.

The passage of the bill is being praised by Indiana Governor Mike Braun and Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner

“This legislation reinforces our work in Indiana, ensures taxpayer dollars are only used on what we know works, and will help more students across the country to become strong readers,” Gov. Braun said. 

Dr. Jenner added, “Through Indiana’s focus on the science of reading, we have more Hoosier third graders reading today than even before the pandemic. By doubling down on these evidence-based strategies, we can ensure students across Indiana and the nation have the best possible chance for literacy success, and thus lifelong opportunities.”

The bill was also sponsored by Rep. John Mannion (D-New York) and Rep. Kevin Kiley (Independent -California).