READ Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
Introduced
Summary
This bill creates a federal framework to boost K–12 literacy by aligning instruction with the _science of reading_. It expands screenings, teacher preparation, evidence-based supports, and federal research and reporting tied to literacy grants.
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- Students and families: Requires universal early literacy screening before third grade, parent notifications for students K–8 who are at risk or below grade level, and model notification templates in parents' primary language. Local uses include tutoring, summer programs, screenings, bilingual literacy, and parent outreach.
- Teachers and schools: Links pre-service and in-service training, licensure, and certification to the science of reading, funds coaching and professional development in high-need schools, promotes high-quality instructional materials, and defines "high-impact tutoring" as 1-on-1 or small-group tutoring aligned with core instruction and progress monitoring.
- States and federal research: Reorganizes and expands the Literacy Improvement Grants under ESEA, requires at least 75 percent of grant funds be subgranted to local educational agencies, mandates biennial evaluation and public reporting disaggregated by grade and subgroup, and strengthens literacy research capacity through comprehensive centers and the Institute of Education Sciences with funding authorized for fiscal years 2026 through 2035.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
State and local literacy rules
If enacted, the bill would require States that get grants to give at least 75 percent of funds to local school districts for direct literacy work. Local grants could pay for high‑impact tutoring, summer learning, screenings (including dyslexia), instructional materials, coaches, and family outreach. States would also have to align teacher training and K–8 licensure with the science of reading, run early screenings at least once before third grade, take part in a biennial evaluation, and make annual public reports. The bill's rules would apply to ESEA funds awarded on or after enactment.
Federal literacy funding authority
If enacted, the bill would authorize "such sums as may be necessary" for the federal literacy grant program for fiscal years 2026 through 2035. It would not set specific dollar amounts. Congress would still need to approve yearly appropriations for the program.
Who gets federal literacy money
If enacted, the bill would set how program money is split each year. Up to 5 percent could go to national activities and up to 10 percent to eligible low-performing States. It would set 0.5 percent for Bureau of Indian Education schools and 0.5 percent for outlying areas and fund a national independent evaluation with written-justification and a 30‑day appeal rule.
Disability rights and local control
If enacted, the bill would not change rights under IDEA, Section 504, or the Americans with Disabilities Act. It would also bar federal officers from ordering States or schools to use specific curricula, standards, assessments, or classroom programs.
What counts as good reading instruction
If enacted, the bill would define the "science of reading" as explicit, systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, language, vocabulary, background knowledge, and writing. It would say the "three-cueing" model is not consistent with the science of reading. It would also define high‑impact tutoring and universal early literacy screening rules used by the program.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cassidy, Bill [R-LA]
LA • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Hassan, Margaret Wood [D-NH]
NH • D
Sponsored 6/4/2026
Sen. Banks, Jim [R-IN]
IN • R
Sponsored 6/4/2026
Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
CO • D
Sponsored 6/4/2026
Sen. Scott, Tim [R-SC]
SC • R
Sponsored 6/4/2026
Sen. Kelly, Mark [D-AZ]
AZ • D
Sponsored 6/4/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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