What does Preamble of READ Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To strengthen literacy outcomes for all students, to amend the comprehensive literacy State development grant program, and to ensure Federal accountability and investment in research, teacher preparation, and evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading,' aims to improve literacy outcomes for students. The bill intends to amend the comprehensive literacy State development grant program. It seeks to ensure federal accountability and investment in research, teacher preparation, and evidence-based instruction aligned with the science of reading.

What does SHORT TITLE. of READ Act do?

This bill is formally titled the "Reading Excellence and Achievement for Development Act" or the "READ Act".

What does PURPOSES. of READ Act do?

This Act aims to increase literacy proficiency among students in elementary and secondary schools. It seeks to support State educational agencies in implementing evidence-based literacy policies. The Act intends to improve teacher preparation and professional development related to literacy instruction. It promotes early identification and intervention for students at risk of reading difficulties, including dyslexia. The Act supports data-driven literacy strategies to benefit all students and address opportunity gaps. It aims to protect and strengthen literacy research capacity through centers and the Institute of Education Sciences.

What does FINDINGS. of READ Act do?

This section outlines findings related to literacy in the United States. It highlights concerning statistics from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, indicating low reading proficiency among 8th graders. The National Assessment of Educational Progress is described as a critical measure of student achievement. Data from the 2023 Program for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies suggests a significant portion of U.S. adults struggle with literacy. Illiteracy is estimated to cost taxpayers and companies substantial amounts annually. The 'science of reading' is recognized as demonstrating the effectiveness of structured literacy instruction. Existing federal literacy programs are deemed insufficient to address the scale of the problem. The section concludes that a national literacy crisis exists, requiring federal leadership and partnership with state and local agencies.

What does DEFINITIONS. of READ Act do?

This section defines key terms used within the Act. “Evidence-based” is defined by referencing section 8101(21) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965, with an exception regarding subclause (III) of subparagraph (A)(i). “Science of reading” is defined as an interdisciplinary body of research encompassing cognitive science, neuroscience, and education, emphasizing explicit and systematic instruction in various literacy components. The definition of “science of reading” includes phonemic awareness, phonic decoding, fluency, language structure, oral language, vocabulary, background knowledge, and literacy knowledge. “Science of reading” recognizes the connection between reading and writing and the importance of strong writing instruction. The definition of “science of reading” explicitly excludes the use of a three-cueing model. “Three-cueing model” is defined as an instructional approach that uses context, pictures, or syntax as the primary basis for teaching word recognition, or teaches visual memory as the primary basis for word recognition.

What does LITERACY IMPROVEMENT GRANTS. of READ Act do?

This section amends Section 2222 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to focus on literacy improvement grants. The Secretary is required to reserve funds for national activities, grants to eligible states, programs for the Bureau of Indian Education, and outlying areas. Eligible states for grants are those ranking within the lowest quintile based on 4th-grade reading performance on the National Assessment of Educational Progress. States receiving funds must conduct a needs assessment and develop a comprehensive literacy instruction plan. Priority for grant awards is given to states using evidence-based activities and those that haven't implemented a comprehensive approach to literacy. States receiving grants must use funds to align pre-service and in-service teacher training with the science of reading. Local educational agencies are eligible for subgrants to support literacy instruction, interventions, and family engagement. States must comply with a biennial evaluation by the Secretary and ensure funds supplement, not supplant, existing resources.

What does PARENT REPORTING. of READ Act do?

This section amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish parent reporting requirements for schools receiving federal assistance. Schools with kindergarten through grade 8 must notify parents if a student is identified as at risk of reading difficulties or performing below grade level in reading. Notifications for students in grades 4-8 must be provided within 30 days of the school year's start for those previously identified as below grade level. Notifications for students identified through universal early literacy screenings must be provided within 30 days of identification. Notifications must include assessment/screening results, supports for the student, and ways parents can support learning at home. Schools may provide more frequent notifications with additional information. Schools must provide reports and notifications in the parent's primary language, to the extent practicable. The Secretary will develop optional notification templates and materials for schools, which will be publicly available on the Department's website.

What does GENERAL PROVISIONS. of READ Act do?

This Act applies to funds awarded under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. The application of this Act begins on the date of its enactment. This Act does not limit or alter rights and protections under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, or the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The Federal Government cannot mandate specific instructional content, academic standards, assessments, curricula, or programs of instruction to states, local educational agencies, or schools.

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READ Act

Last updated: 6/4/2026 · Introduced: 6/4/2026

Author: Bill Cassidy (R-LA)

TL;DR (AI)

The READ Act aims to improve literacy outcomes for students by amending existing federal grant programs and promoting investment in research and teacher preparation aligned with the 'science of reading'.
The bill establishes literacy improvement grants for states ranking lowest in 4th-grade reading performance, requiring them to develop comprehensive literacy instruction plans and align teacher training with evidence-based practices.
Schools receiving federal assistance must notify parents within 30 days if a student is identified as at-risk of reading difficulties or performing below grade level, providing assessment results and support resources.
The Act defines 'science of reading' as an interdisciplinary body of research emphasizing explicit and systematic literacy instruction, while explicitly excluding the 'three-cueing model' as an instructional approach.
Federal funds provided through this Act must supplement, not supplant, existing state and local resources, and the federal government cannot mandate specific instructional content or programs to states or schools.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 6 more.

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