hold on there's just too much going on in Congress lmao...
Defines and prioritizes 'science of reading' in federal literacy grants, excludes 'three-cueing'.
Introduced by Reps. Houchin (R-IN), Mannion (D-NY), and Kiley (R-CA).
Introduced in House, referred to Education & Workforce Committee.
This bill amends the Elementary and Secondary Education Act to require that federal comprehensive literacy instruction grants and subgrants prioritize methods aligned with the 'science of reading.' It specifically excludes the 'three-cueing model' from these federally funded instructional approaches and defines both terms. The bill was introduced by a bipartisan group of representatives and is currently awaiting review in a House committee.
Introduced Mar 12, 2026
The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on March 12, 2026, and sent to the Committee on Education and the Workforce. For it to become law, the committee must approve it, then the House must pass it, followed by the Senate passing an identical version. Finally, the President would need to sign it.
If passed, schools receiving federal comprehensive literacy grants would need to ensure their reading instruction aligns with the 'science of reading' definition provided in the bill. This could lead to a shift in teaching methods towards phonics, phonemic awareness, and other components outlined. It also means that teaching methods based on the 'three-cueing model,' which relies on context or pictures for word recognition, would not be supported by these federal funds.
Supporters Say
Supporters believe this bill will improve reading outcomes by ensuring federal funds support proven, evidence-based teaching methods.
Critics Say
Critics might argue the bill is overly prescriptive in defining acceptable teaching methods, potentially limiting teacher autonomy or innovation.
The 'science of reading' approach, which emphasizes phonics and explicit instruction, has gained traction as a way to address reading difficulties. This bill aims to standardize that approach for federally funded programs. While the bill states it doesn't mandate specific curricula, some may argue that excluding the 'three-cueing model' effectively limits choices for schools and educators, potentially creating a federal preference in curriculum.