Rep. Jason Ortitay, a representative for Washington and Allegheny counties, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s recently released reading list. The list was developed in accordance with Act 135 of 2024, a law that Ortitay played a significant role in enacting.
In a letter addressed to PDE Acting Secretary Carrie Rowe, Ortitay stated his concerns about the materials on the department’s website. “The materials posted on the department’s website do not reflect the intent, rigor or review standards that were envisioned when the law was enacted,” he said. He also noted that these materials did not align with Rowe’s public and private statements on structured literacy.
Act 135 requires the creation of a Reading Leadership Council to establish an approved reading curriculum list and universal reading screeners based on evidence-based instruction. It also mandates free professional development for teachers and eliminates ineffective three-cuing methods.
Ortitay has requested immediate action from the department, including withdrawing current lists until they are fully reviewed, establishing an evaluation panel within Pennsylvania to vet materials, correcting factual inaccuracies regarding vendors like Benchmark Education Co., and ensuring transparency by publishing evaluation criteria and review processes.
The legislative district represented by Ortitay includes South Fayette Township, McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County, as well as several townships and boroughs in Washington County.
