Southwest Allegheny News

The Pennsylvania House has passed legislation aimed at enhancing early literacy achievement across the state. This initiative, led by Representative Jason Ortitay, has been in development for nearly five years.

"We are closer to finally having a strong, evidence-based reading program required for our young learners in the Commonwealth," Ortitay stated. "This legislation is not a political issue or about picking winners and losers. It’s about making sure every student knows how to read. Reading is foundational for everyone’s education."

Current statewide early literacy scores show only about 30% proficiency by the end of third grade, prompting calls for changes in teaching methods. Ortitay expressed optimism that the bill will soon be considered by the Senate and signed into law by the governor.

The proposed legislation mandates the formation of a Reading Leadership Council tasked with developing an approved list of reading curricula and universal screeners aligned with evidence-based instruction. Additionally, it requires the Pennsylvania Department of Education to offer free professional development programs for teachers focused on evidence-based reading techniques and eliminates ineffective methods like three-cuing.

Incorporated into the 2022-23 state budget was language added by Ortitay to establish professional development and applied practice programs in structured literacy for school personnel. These programs include classroom demonstrations, modeling, and coaching support designed to improve reading outcomes.

Since spring 2023, Ortitay has collaborated with colleagues from both legislative chambers to advance further literacy-related measures. The bill now awaits Senate concurrence.

The 46th Legislative District represented by Ortitay includes South Fayette Township and McDonald and Oakdale boroughs in Allegheny County as well as several townships and boroughs in Washington County.