LEARN Act Introduced

Last Thursday, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) announced the introduction of S. 2740, The Literacy Education for All, Results for the Nation (LEARN) Act, a bill that proposes funding for comprehensive literacy programs in states across the country. The bill would replace three federal reading programs — Early Reading First, Reading First, and Striving Readers — and authorize $2.35 billion to fund state and local school-based literacy programs that span from birth to Grade 12.

The LEARN Act would create federal support for comprehensive state and locally led literacy programs to ensure that children from birth to 12th grade have the reading and writing skills necessary for success in school and beyond. The grants would provide $350 million for age 0-5, $1 billion for K-3, and $1 billion for Grades 4-12.

The LEARN Act would provide funds for high-quality professional development that would prepare teachers to improve literacy instruction specific to grade level; analyze data to improve student learning; fund assessments of student progress; effectively implement literacy intervention strategies; and enhance coordination across districts and states, as well as grade levels. 

RRCNA has signed a letter of support for S. 2740.  We have been active in supporting the language in the bill requiring that one-to-one instruction be included in state implementation plans and in the professional development funded by the bill, and in supporting the stringent conflict of interest restrictions for the programs’ peer review process. 

On Friday, the House version of the bill, HR 4037, was introduced by Representatives John Yarmuth (D-KY) and Jared Polis (D-CO).   

RRCNA will provide additional information on the bills and will request members’ assistance in communicating with sponsors and committee members when appropriate.