Education: New Standards for Teaching Reading in Schools
The Senate placed this bill on its legislative calendar on August 6, 2026, after it cleared the committee stage. The full Senate must now vote on the bill for it to move forward. It remains active, though it has not moved since August 6, 2026.
This bill has strong support from both Republicans and Democrats in the Senate. Because it addresses low test scores and has already moved through the committee process, it has a good chance.
Scores run from -100 (strongly harmful) to +100 (strongly beneficial) for each group, combining impact, certainty, scope, and duration ratings of 1-5. How impact scoring works
States receiving grants must review teacher preparation programs and licensure standards for alignment with the science of reading, and fund coaching networks and professional development for current teachers. This changes training requirements for many educators, most of whom belong to teacher unions, while also directing new funding toward their professional support.
“each State that receives a grant under this section shall complete and publish, not later than 3 years after the date of receipt of the grant funds, a review of all teacher preparation programs in the State to assess alignment with the science of reading”
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 549.
The bill is now on the schedule for the full chamber to consider. It's in line for debate and a vote.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Reported by Senator Cassidy with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
The committee approved this bill and is sending it to the full chamber for a vote. This is a significant step — most bills never get this far.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in Senate
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) introduced the READ Act, a bipartisan proposal to improve literacy through "science of reading" principles. The bill requires states receiving federal grants to develop instruction plans focused on phonemic awareness, fluency, and vocabulary.
Senators Cassidy and Hassan introduced the READ Act to overhaul federal literacy grants. The bill emphasizes the "science of reading" and early dyslexia screening, with Cassidy citing his daughter's struggle with dyslexia as a primary motivation for the reform.
While praising the READ Act's focus on phonics and its discouragement of the "three-cueing" model, critics warn that federal incentives could lead to a protected market for specific digital platforms and AI-assisted instruction.
No votes recorded for this bill yet.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
READ Act
Analysis generated by AI. Always verify with official sources.