Early literacy intervention has never been more important than it is today. While literacy rates were low before the COVID-19 pandemic due to insufficient access to English language and literacy education, family language barriers and other causes, the pandemic worsened the national state of reading literacy when schools closed and educators had difficulty implementing curricula. The loss of normalcy and routine during a time of immense development set students back on many levels.
While there is not one cause for the less-than-ideal literacy rates in the U.S., educators must address this issue from a number of angles. Additionally, policies regarding reading curricula must understand the whole picture. As teachers work tirelessly to address literacy rates, and because the pandemic has significantly impacted nationwide student reading levels, educators across all learning levels agree reading should be a priority for all students, and some states have enacted laws to make sure that happens.
Educators must be well versed in the legal factors that impact their reading curricula. There are many laws, regulations and policies on the state and national levels that affect educators’ reading and comprehension curricula, and it is essential that educators understand them.
Legal Regulations and The Science of Reading
Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) replaces the No Child Left Behind Act but is actually the reenactment of the 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). Additionally, there are several laws and regulations and conventions to understand.
Since the pandemic, more than a dozen states have planned to train teachers and overhaul reading instruction, with at least three states recently writing “The Science of Reading” into state law. In discussions about teaching reading, the term “science of reading” includes the following commonly agreed upon components:
- phonemic awareness
- phonics
- vocabulary development
- reading fluency, including oral reading skills
- reading comprehension strategies
Critical Reading Education Regulations at a Glance
The ESSA is considered the primary education law in the United States and encourages innovation in teaching. ESSA provides schools with critical funding for literacy programs, making literacy assessment mandatory but not the only measure of reading accomplishment.
The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) ensures that all students, including those with learning challenges and differences, receive appropriate reading instruction. IDEA is the law that protects students with disabilities. There are many approaches to attending to the reading and learning needs of disabled students, including access to special media like braille. This law makes sure that schools can access the necessary funds to develop programming and help all students.
ESSA allows states to take a central role in how schools clarify and account for student success.
The primary purpose of the law is to make sure public education is fair and equal to everyone including historically disadvantaged students.
What Are Third-Grade Reading Laws?
In 2015, about two thirds of fourth grade students in the U.S. did not have proficient reading scores. To take this educational landmark seriously, states nationwide have enacted legislation. Third grade reading laws require schools and districts to emphasize reading skills early so that students are at a proficient reading level by the end of third grade.
Educators interested in becoming an instructional coordinator or curriculum specialist — or those who want to lead classroom literacy instruction and are interested in gaining knowledge in comprehension, fluency, vocabulary and phonemic awareness — might consider the online Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction – Reading program from Southeastern Oklahoma State University. There is a significant need for reading and literacy educators, and Southeastern’s program equips education professionals with the necessary knowledge in educational law and reading education to help students succeed. For example, the program’s course titled Public School Law gives professionals insight into the legal elements that impact success in the classroom.
Learn more about Southeastern Oklahoma State University’s online Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction – Reading program.