In 2025, state leaders continued driving bold reforms in K-12 literacy and math policy to advance student achievement. From banning harmful, ineffective three-cueing practices to providing guaranteed access to advanced math courses, states are prioritizing evidence-based policy solutions to help every student succeed.
This blog summarizes the K-12 literacy and math policy advancements states made during 2025 legislative sessions and explores emerging priorities for 2026.
2024 NAEP Results Show Decline in Student Achievement
The 2024 National Assessment on Educational Progress (NAEP) release in January revealed few bright spots in student reading and math proficiency across the country.
Since 2019, reading scores for fourth and eighth grade students declined by an average of five points. While fourth grade math scores show slight improvement since 2022, 2024 scores were three points behind 2019 scores. Eighth grade math performance was nine points below pre-pandemic levels, which is roughly a full grade level.
Results for 12th grade students were similarly concerning. NAEP 12th grade reading scores show a decrease of three points since 2019, with only 35% of students at or above NAEP Proficient. Declining results indicate that nationwide, readers are struggling well into their adolescent years.
International data mirror these same trends. The 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) showed 34% of U.S. students were low performers in math. Overall, U.S. students ranked 27th out of 81 participating countries in mathematics, highlighting the urgent need for stronger math preparation in order to compete on a global scale.
In response, state leaders took action during 2025 legislative sessions, advancing policies that better identify struggling students, provide timely interventions and strengthen teacher training in reading and math.
Why K-12 Literacy Policies Matter
Research shows that students who cannot read proficiently by third grade are four times more likely not to graduate from high school. Across the nation, states are implementing comprehensive literacy policies that ensure students receive high-quality instruction rooted in the science of reading to change that trajectory.
The science of reading is a vast body of research on how children learn to read. Evidence-based literacy policies emphasize the systematic and explicit teaching of foundational reading skills including phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency and comprehension. Effective policies are preventative and support all students as well as work to identify and support at-risk students as early as possible before they fall behind.
Explore quick summaries of the 2025 state actions that improved K-12 literacy policy for students below.
2025 State Policy Actions Supporting Literacy
- Alabama: Alabama lawmakers continued their investment in literacy with Sen. Arthur Orr’s SB 112, which maintains $36 million in funding for K-3 reading coaches. An additional $10 million supports struggling readers beyond third grade.
- Arizona: Arizona policymakers expanded science of reading training with Sen. David Farnsworth’s SB 1502 by requiring all K-5 special education teachers to earn a literacy endorsement by 2028 and clarifies that literacy curricula in K-3 school plans must include screenings/diagnostics, adoption of evidence-based reading curricula and ongoing teacher training. HB 2170 from Rep. Matt Gress requires that all Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) indicate whether a student has a formal dyslexia diagnosis.
- Colorado: In 2025, Colorado lawmakers mandated universal dyslexia screening for K-3 students by the 2027-28 school year. Sponsored by Rep. Eliza Hamrick, Sen. Chris Kolker, Sen. Kyle Mullica and Rep. Matt Soper, SB 25-200 strengthens the state’s existing READ Act by enhancing instruction and interventions for students with reading difficulties to ensure they receive timely, evidence-based support and bolstering communication with parents about evidence-based interventions.
- Florida: Florida policymakers appropriated $3 million in SB 2500 to develop or purchase high-quality instructional materials for K-2 reading instruction. Rep. Dana Trabulsy and Sen. Alexis Calatayud’s HB 1255 raised expectations for high-quality literacy instruction by requiring districts to prioritize the assignment of highly effective teachers in grades K-2 and ensure reading interventions are delivered by credentialed or endorsed staff.
- Georgia: Georgia lawmakers passed the state’s budget in HB 68, including $18.5 million to fund 116 literacy coaches in grades K-5. Additionally, the passage of Rep. Bethany Ballard’s HB 307 bans the ineffective three-cueing method in reading instruction and requires dyslexia support plans for at-risk students. To ensure consistency in how educators are trained, Sen. RaShaun Kemp’s SB 93 aligns educator preparation programs with the science of reading.
- Idaho: Idaho lawmakers strengthened literacy policy with Sen. Van Burtenshaw’s SB 1069. This bill requires publicly funded schools to provide extended-time, evidence-based interventions for K-3 students scoring below grade level on reading screeners.
- Nevada: Nevada policymakers and Gov. Joe Lombardo strengthened their commitment to foundational literacy in Sen. Cannizzaro’s SB 460 by requiring all K-3 teachers to complete a course on the science of reading. As a result of the law, all educator preparation programs must include foundational literacy skills instruction. Programs must be aligned with the science of reading to ensure teachers are equipped to deliver effective reading instruction from day one.
- New Mexico: New Mexico lawmakers passed Rep. Joy Garratt and Sens. Mimi Stewart and Heather Berghmans’ HB 156, which overhauls teacher preparation, licensure and compensation in New Mexico to strengthen reading instruction and raise educator pay. It requires teacher preparation programs to embed the science of reading, including systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Elementary teacher candidates must also complete at least 100 hours of supervised classroom experience applying these evidence-based literacy practices.
- Ohio: Ohio lawmakers passed the biennial budget in HB 96, requiring the use of a diagnostic reading screener for K-3 students. This action will help educators identify struggling students earlier and provide timely interventions. Ohio also continued to fund their literacy efforts with $12 million per year set aside for literacy coaches.
- Pennsylvania: Pennsylvania lawmakers approved the state budget and SB 315, which invests $10 million in literacy to strengthen reading instruction statewide, building on the bipartisan work of champions Reps. Jason Ortitay and Justin Fleming and Sens. Devlin Robinson and Vince Hughes. The legislation requires the adoption of high-quality instructional materials, universal early literacy screeners in grades K-3 and teacher professional development in the science of reading.
- Texas: Texas lawmakers strengthened literacy policy through the passage of Rep. Brad Buckley’s HB 2, a major bipartisan effort, which requires evidence-based literacy screeners for K-3 students. The law also provides for professional development academies for reading interventionists to ensure educators are equipped with tools to help every student learn to read.
Overall, 2025 state legislative sessions generated $52 million in new funding for literacy policy, and more than 3.7 million students nationwide will benefit from policymakers’ actions. Supports and interventions in states across the country will ensure students who struggle with reading have access to evidence-based resources and become skilled readers by the end of third grade.
The Fundamentals of Mathematics Policy
Strong math skills empower students with the confidence and problem-solving abilities they need to make sense of the world and pursue future opportunities. Students who are confident, proficient mathematicians have more post-secondary education and career opportunities and are better equipped to make informed decisions throughout their lives.
In 2025, education leaders across the United States prioritized policies grounded in evidence-based instruction and early identification of struggling students. Several states also guaranteed access to advanced math courses for students who are ready to take on the challenge. Together, these principles help students build a foundation for lifelong success.
Explore quick summaries of the 2025 state actions that improved math education policies for students below.
2025 State Actions Supporting Mathematics Instruction
- Alabama: Alabama lawmakers allocated an additional $27 million in their budget package, $95 million total, to support continued implementation of the Numeracy Act, furthering their commitment to strengthening math instruction across all grades. Funding will be directed toward educator training, additional math coaches, and resources to improve student outcomes in mathematics.
- Florida: Florida policymakers invested $1 million through the passage of SB 2500 to launch a new network of regional math directors and coaches. This initiative provides educators with high-quality, job-embedded support to strengthen math instruction and raise student achievement statewide.
- Indiana: Indiana lawmakers passed HB 1634, authored by Rep. Jake Teshka, which approved new math policies to improve student outcomes and close learning gaps. The state now requires math screenings for K-8 students, targeted interventions for those at risk of falling behind and educator preparation program alignment for mathematics instruction. Additionally, high-performing students have guaranteed access to advanced math courses.
- Iowa: Iowa policymakers strengthened early math instruction through HF 784, led by Sen. Lynn Evans and Rep. Dan Gehlbach and signed into law by Gov. Kim Reynolds. The bill requires math screeners for all K-6 students. Additionally, educator preparation programs must be updated to include math-focused training to better equip new teachers to teach math effectively.
- Louisiana: With the passage of Rep. John Wyble’s HB 321, Louisiana legislators took steps to improve student math outcomes by requiring all K-8 teachers to complete an approved professional development course in mathematics.
- Maryland: The Maryland State Board of Education adopted math policy that ensures all students receive high-quality instruction, structured interventions and access to advanced coursework. Additionally, the policy provides professional development for educators and assessments aligned to rigorous new math standards.
- Ohio: Ohio lawmakers required the development of an approved list of math diagnostic tools for K-3 students with the passage of HB 96.
- Oklahoma: Oklahoma’s Math Achievement and Proficiency Act, authored by Sen. Ally Seifried, strengthens early math instruction for students statewide. With $1 million in funding, schools are required to screen students in grades 4-7 three times a year for math proficiency. Schools also must use evidence-based curricula and offer targeted interventions to at-risk students.
- South Carolina: South Carolina lawmakers invested $74.5 million through the passage of Rep. Bruce Bannister’s H 4025 to help the Department of Education acquire high-quality instructional materials. These new resources will be aligned to and support the implementation of the state’s revised math standards statewide.
- Texas: Texas lawmakers strengthened early learning by requiring evidence-based math screeners for K-3 students statewide in Rep. Brad Buckley’s HB 2. The bill also provides for professional development academies for math interventionists to ensure educators are equipped with tools to help students succeed in foundational math concepts.
- Virginia: Virginia policymakers passed Rep. Katrina Callsen’s HB 2686 ensuring students in grades 5-8 have guaranteed access to advanced and accelerated math courses. Moving forward, school boards must establish eligibility criteria so that high-achieving students can pursue more rigorous coursework.
In 2025, state actions generated $76 million in new funding for math, impacting more than 3.9 million students. Strengthening math instruction and supports for students nationwide will ensure more students build strong math foundations and stay on track for long-term success.
What’s Next for 2026 and Beyond
As we move into 2026 legislative sessions across the country, we can anticipate states will continue to improve and expand their early literacy policies and tackle persistent issues with adolescent literacy. This important work does not stop in the early grades. Students need continued reading support, interventions and guidance throughout their K-12 journeys.
In math, we hope to see state leaders taking on the imperative task of raising students’ math proficiency levels with proven, evidence-based policies. We all want American students to succeed and be competitive in the global economy, and strong math skills are crucial to that mission.
Dive Deeper into Literacy and Math Policy Solutions with These Resources
For an in-depth analysis of the early literacy and math policies in states across the country, explore Early Literacy Matters and Math Matters.
Listen to season 2, episode 3 of ExcelinEd’s Policy Changes Lives podcast where Lindsey Henderson, Senior Policy Director for Math at our sister organization ExcelinEd, sits down with Dr. Thomas Dee, Professor of Education at Stanford University, to explore what the research really says about Algebra I timing, readiness and state policy solutions. Then, be sure to follow up with season 2, episode 9, where ExcelinEd’s Dr. Kymyona Burk and Casey Taylor explore the “new frontier” in literacy policy: adolescent literacy.
Check out two episodes from season 2 of ExcelinEd in Action’s Statehouse Spotlight podcast. First, in episode 7, host Indiana Rep. Jake Teshka and I discuss the legislative effort aimed at strengthening math proficiency and numeracy across Indiana. Then, in episode 20, I talk with Pennsylvania State Rep. Jason Ortitay about early literacy reforms and the landmark literacy reform law that’s reshaping reading instruction across the state.
Read more from this blog series where we summarize which states took action on key policy trends reshaping K-12 education across the country.
References
- Excelined.org – ‘Policy Lessons from States That Improved Students’ Reading and Math Proficiency’ Link: Policy Lessons from States That Improved Students’ Reading and Math Proficiency
- Nationsreportcard.gov – ‘NAEP Report Card: Reading’ Link: Explore Results for the 2024 NAEP Reading Assessment
- Nationsreportcard.gov – ‘NAEP Report Card: Mathematics’ Link: Explore Results for the 2024 NAEP Mathematics Assessment
- Nationsreportcard.gov – ‘NAEP Report Card: Grade 12 Reading’ Link: Explore Results for the 2024 NAEP Reading Assessment at Grade 12
- Oecd.org – ‘PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II) – Country Notes: United States’ Link: PISA 2022 Results (Volume I and II) – Country Notes: United States
- Excelined.org – ‘Frequently Asked Questions: Comprehensive Early Literacy Policy’ Link: 2024 Comprehensive Literacy Policy FAQ One-Pagerhttps://excelined.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/2024-Comprehensive-Literacy-Policy-FAQ-One-Pager.pdf
- Aplusla.org – ‘Budget Watch FY 2026 | A+ Education Partnership’ Link: Budget Watch FY 2026
- Alison.legislature.state.al.us – ‘SB112 Introduced’ Link: SB112-int.pdf
- Azleg.gov – ‘Chapter 141 Senate Bill 1502’ Link: Chapter 141 Senate Bill 1502
- Azleg.gov – ‘Individualized education programs; dyslexia diagnosis’ Link: Individualized Education Programs; dyslexia diagnosis
- S3.amazonaws.com – ‘Senate Bill 25-200′ Link: Senate Bill 25-200
- Flsenate.gov – ‘SB 2500 Appropriations’ Link: SB 2500 Appropriations
- Flsenate.gov – ‘House Bill 1255’ Link: House Bill 1255
- Legiscan.com – ‘GA HB68’ Link: GA HB 68
- Legiscan.com – ‘GA HB307’ Link: GA HB 307
- Legiscan.com – ‘GA SB93’ Link: GA HB 93
- S2.amazonaws.com – ‘Senate Bill No. 1069’ Link: Senate Bill No. 1069 (2025) Literacy Intervention
- S3.amazon.com – ‘S.B. 460’ Link: Senate Bill No. 460
- Nmlegis.gov – ‘House Bill 156’ Link: HB0156
- Legislature.ohio.gov – ‘House Bill 96 Make state operating appropriations for FY 2026-27′ Link: House Bill 96
- Capitol.texas.gov – ‘Texas Legislature Online HB 2’ Link: Texas Legislature Online HB 2
- Excelined.org – ‘Math Policy’ Link: Math Policy
- Alabamaachieves.org – ‘Alabama Numeracy Act 2022’ Link: Alabama Numeracy Act 2022
- Flsenate.gov – ‘SB 2500 Appropriations’ Link: SB 2500 Appropriations
- Iga.in.gov – ‘House Bill 1634 Math Education’ Link: House Bill 1634 Math Education
- Legis.iowa.gov – ‘HF784’ Link: HF784_GovLetter.pdf
- Legis.la.gov – ‘Louisiana State Legislature HB 321’ Link: HB 321
- Marylandpublicschools.org – ‘Prek-12 Mathematics Policy Update” Link: Prek-12 Mathematics Policy Update
- Legislature.ohio.gov – ‘House Bill 96 Make state operating appropriations for FY 2026-27′ Link: House Bill 96
- Oklegislature.gov – ‘Bill Information for HB 1287’ Link: Bill Information for HB 1287
- Scstatehouse.gov – ‘South Carolina Legislature Online H 4025’ Link: H 4025
- Capitol.texas.gov – ‘Texas Legislature Online HB 2’ Link: Texas Legislature Online HB 2
- Lis.virginia.gov – ‘HB2686 School boards; certain advanced or accelerated mathematics opportunities’ Link: HB2686 School boards; certain advanced or accelerated mathematics opportunities
- Earlyliteracymatters.org – ‘Early Literacy is the Gateway to Lifetime Success’ Link: Early Literacy is the Gateway to Lifetime Success
- Shows.acast.com – ‘Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast’ Link: Math Policy 201: When should students take Algebra I or should they? | Dr. Thomas Dee
- Shows.acast.com – ‘Policy Changes Lives, an ExcelinEd podcast’ Link: Adolescent literacy is the new frontier in literacy policy | Dr. Kymyona Burk and Casey Taylor
- Shows.acast.com – ‘Excelined in Action Statehouse Spotlights’ Link: Advancing math education in Indiana classrooms | Rep. Jake Teshka
- Shows.acast.com – ‘ExcelinEd in Action Statehouse Spotlights’ Link: Tackling learning gaps with literacy reforms in Pennsylvania | Rep. Jason Ortitay
