Louisiana Legislature Unanimously Passes Landmark Legislation to Support Early Literacy

Statement from Lily Landry, ExcelinEd in Action Senior Legislative Affairs Associate, on the Louisiana Legislature passing a comprehensive early literacy policy that will provide additional supports for schools, teachers and struggling readers.  

“Louisiana legislators put the needs of students first when they voted for this important legislation. Literacy is the foundation for academic success and puts students on a path to learn, graduate and succeed. 

“The research is clear: Students who leave third grade unable to read at grade level face dramatically longer odds of graduating high school and embarking on a successful, fulfilling career. 

“ExcelinEd in Action thanks Senator Sharon Hewitt for championing this life-changing program.” 

Senate Bill 222 details:  

• Supports teachers with early literacy training to effectively teach foundational reading skills to students. Research shows that most children—including those identified with reading difficulties—learn to read when teachers deliver explicit and systematic instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. 
• Creates an early literacy screening to identify students with potential reading difficulties.  
• Requires parent notification for students identified with a reading difficulty in K-3. 
• Individual reading plans would be developed with parents/guardians that prescribe research-based reading interventions. 
• The bill now heads to Governor John Bel Edwards for his signature.