New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S07454

Introduced
4/16/25  

Caption

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Impact

The bill stipulates that teachers responsible for educating these young students must undergo specified professional development in evidence-based literacy instruction. Additionally, it introduces a competitive grant program to incentivize districts to adopt approved, evidence-based curricula, aimed specifically at those with a high percentage of students reading below proficiency levels. By implementing these measures, the bill intends to significantly improve literacy outcomes across the state's public school system.

Summary

Bill S07454, known as the 'Right to Read Act', seeks to reform early literacy education across New York State by mandating that school districts deliver evidence-based instructional programming and services in reading and literacy that aligns with state educational standards. The legislation targets students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, emphasizing the importance of foundational reading skills such as phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary development, reading fluency, and comprehension. This shift is designed to ensure that all students develop the necessary skills to succeed academically as they progress through their education.

Contention

However, the bill's approach to literacy instruction has sparked discussions among educators and lawmakers, particularly regarding the stringent requirements it places on teacher certification and training. Critics may argue that this could limit flexibility for educators who already employ successful reading strategies, particularly if those strategies do not adhere strictly to the outlined evidence-based methods. Supporters believe that the focus on scientifically validated approaches will systematically address the literacy gap seen in many districts, but concerns over the practical implementation of the requirements persist.

Companion Bills

NY A00078

Same As Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

Previously Filed As

NY A02897

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

NY S05480

Requires school districts to provide instructional programming and services in reading and literacy which are evidence based and aligned with state standards; requires teachers in grades pre-K through five to attend professional development courses in reading education.

NY A02298

Requires high schools in grades nine through twelve to provide a course in financial literacy; requires students to complete such course as a condition of graduation.

NY S04860

Requires high schools in grades nine through twelve to provide a course in financial literacy; requires students to complete such course as a condition of graduation.

NY A00032

Requires teachers and library media specialists to complete professional development related to media literacy education; directs the department of education to develop model media literacy education and CTLE requirements related to media literacy education.

NY A08316

Requires new teachers applying for certification or a license including childhood education teachers, early education teachers, special education teachers, or reading specialists to have completed training for evidence-based reading instruction.

NY A01242

Requires the regents to prescribe courses of instruction in state and local government in elementary and middle schools in the state; provides boards of education and trustees of the several cities and school districts of the state shall require instruction to be given in such courses by the teachers; requires similar instruction in private schools.

NY A08315

Establishes certain statewide literacy education programs including standards for an early education program, statewide parents as teachers program, a reading program to provide direct support for and intervention in intensive reading intervention services, and the district reading intervention program.

NY A04659

Requires the commissioner of education to establish and enforce rules and regulations to incorporate at least a three credit course devoted to the instructional techniques necessary for effective literacy instruction which shall include delivering structured, systematic, explicit, evidence-based instruction in reading, including but not limited to those incorporating multisensory instruction for current and prospective teachers.

NY S06713

Requires the commissioner of education to establish and enforce rules and regulations to incorporate at least a three credit course devoted to the instructional techniques necessary for effective literacy instruction which shall include delivering structured, systematic, explicit, evidence-based instruction in reading, including but not limited to those incorporating multisensory instruction for current and prospective teachers.

Similar Bills

MN HF1013

Evidence-based literacy instruction required, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF1257

Evidence-based literacy instruction requirement

MN HF629

Read Act established, schools required to use approved literacy curriculum, literacy specialists required, report required, and money appropriated.

MN SF1273

The Read Act

MN HF3744

Read Act amended, working group established, supplemental funding provided, reports required, and money appropriated.

MN SF3698

Read Act amendment

CA AB1454

Pupil literacy: credential program standards and professional development: instructional materials.

MI SB0567

Education: other; prescreening for dyslexia in public schools; provide for. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).