S. 4689 · On the floor · Education

READ Act

What it does

Amends the comprehensive literacy State development grant program to require states to implement statewide policies and systems of support to assist local educational agencies and educator preparation programs in improving literacy instruction and outcomes.
Directs the Secretary of Education to reserve not more than 5 percent of fiscal year funds for national activities, including a rigorous independent evaluation that cannot be canceled or deferred unless the funded entity violates contract terms and is given written justification and 30 days to appeal.
Reserves not more than 10 percent of fiscal year funds for grants to eligible low-performing states and one-half of 1 percent each for schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education and outlying areas to carry out literacy programs.
Establishes that science of reading instruction includes explicit, systematic use of phonemic awareness, phonic decoding, fluency, language structure, oral language, vocabulary, background knowledge, and literacy knowledge, and explicitly excludes three-cueing instructional models.

Aug 6, 2026: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 549.

Committee: Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions