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Right to Read Act of 2023
12/13/2023, 5:15 AM
Summary of Bill S 1307
The bill emphasizes the importance of literacy in academic success and overall well-being, stating that every student has the right to be proficient in reading by the end of third grade. It also highlights the disparities in literacy rates among different demographic groups and aims to address these inequalities through targeted interventions and support.
Key provisions of the Right to Read Act include the establishment of a National Literacy Center, which will provide resources and training for educators, as well as funding for literacy programs in schools with high rates of illiteracy. The bill also calls for the development of evidence-based literacy instruction practices and the implementation of assessments to track student progress. Overall, the Right to Read Act of 2023 seeks to improve literacy outcomes for all students in the United States, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By focusing on early intervention and support, the bill aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to develop strong reading skills and achieve academic success.
Congressional Summary of S 1307
Right to Read Act of 2023
This bill expands access to school libraries and literacy skills support for elementary and secondary school students. It also outlines certain constitutional rights and liability protections related to school libraries.
Specifically, the bill reauthorizes through FY2028 (1) the Comprehensive Literacy State Development Program, which provides grants to ensure high-quality instruction and effective strategies in reading and writing for children through 12th grade; and (2) the Innovative Approaches to Literacy Program, which provides grants to support the development of literacy skills in low-income communities.
Additionally, the bill allows Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants to be used to assist local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools in recruiting, hiring, and retaining state-certified school librarians.
Further, the bill authorizes states and LEAs to use Student Support and Academic Enrichment grants for programs and activities that promote the development of digital literacy and information literacy skills.
The Department of Education (ED) must direct the National Center for Education Statistics to biennially collect data on school libraries.
ED must require an assurance from each state and LEA receiving certain funds confirming that it will (1) protect the First Amendment rights of students in school libraries, and (2) provide equal protection in the conduct of school libraries in compliance with the requirements of the Fourteenth Amendment and nondiscrimination laws.
The bill also provides liability protection to teachers, school librarians, school leaders, paraprofessionals, and other staff for actions that conform with state or local policies regarding the right to read.
