Arizona
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Updated 2025
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the science of reading?
Yes. K-3 Reading Policy, Move On When Reading (ARS 15-704, 15-701, 15-211):
Move On When Reading homepage
K-5 Literacy Endorsement (ARS 15-501):
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
Yes, we have a vetted list that LEAs choose from in order to be in compliance with Move On When Reading law. Efficacy studies are reviewed and if found to be in the top 3 Tiers of ESSA, then the curriculum is added to our vetted list.
MOWR Vetted Core Program List.pdf (azed.gov)
It is the responsibility of schools to select curriculum and instructional materials that they feel best meet the needs of their student population.
However, A.R.S. 15-704 requires all public schools that serve any K-3 students to adopt core instructional curriculum which meets the following select criteria:
- Aligned to standards
- Address the essential components of reading
- ESSA evidence-based at one of the top three tiers
- Vendors used across the state submitted information (in the table below) which may or may not meet the legislative criteria and listed requirements.
- Programs in green meet all criteria.
- Programs in yellow meet some criteria and may be under current additional review.
- Note that there are new programs currently performing an efficacy study.
- Programs in red do not currently meet legislation and should not be adopted for core use with K-3 students in Arizona.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Yes. Within the vetted list of reading curriculum, you can select the rubric to see the notes from the reviewers (MOWR Committee). This is a sample rubric: Example Rubric.pdf (azed.gov)
All guidance for vendor submissions can be found at MOWR Submissions | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable.
We have a website specifically about the Science of Reading where educators can find resources Welcome to the Science of Reading | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov).
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Yes. K-3 Reading Policy requires universal screening 3x/year with one of 10 state approved screeners. Dyslexia indicators required for K-1 in 2020. Formal Request for Information yearly process for vendors.
ADE ELA Team created Universal Literacy & Dyslexia Screener Guidance and Approved List
Please describe any other assessment work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
3rd – 8th grades take statewide assessment/state board approved: Arizona’s Academic Standards Assessment (AASA). Passing rate for promotion to 4th grade requirement.
Statewide state assessments:
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
MTSS Training Courses- SOR, Dyslexia, Secondary Literacy, and more via Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development?
Yes. Per ARS 15-704 (Move On When Reading), all K-3 schools must provide ongoing teacher training based on evidence-based reading research.
MOWR team supports schools in this initiative:
- Training Courses- SOR, Dyslexia, Secondary Literacy, and more via Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy
- K-5 Literacy Endorsement (Legislatively required training)- Web page
- ELA team hosted and facilitated Book Studies
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Training Courses- SOR, Dyslexia, Secondary Literacy, and more via Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction.
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant CLSD | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Foundational Literacy Coaching Grant Foundational Literacy Coaching Grant | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Yes,
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Training Courses- SOR, Dyslexia, Secondary Literacy, and more via Reading Fundamentals OnDemand Academy
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction.
Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grant CLSD | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Foundational Literacy Coaching Grant Foundational Literacy Coaching Grant | Arizona Department of Education (azed.gov)
Dyslexia Training Designee Grant Dyslexia | Arizona Department of Education
Early Literacy Grant Early Literacy Grant | Arizona Department of Education
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Yes,
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading and Multilingual learners?
Yes, visit Arizona’s Structured Literacy and English Learners page
Does your state have licensure or program approval criteria to ensure Educator Preparation Programs are aligned to the science of reading?
Yes.
CLSD Grant- Supporting literacy practices across the birth to 12th grade continuum
Please describe and link to any other work you would like to share that relates to the science of reading.
ELA hosts monthly office hours for ELA state leaders 2024-2025 K-12 Literacy Office Hours (padlet.com)
Do you have a “contact us” website that we can share publicly on TRL Compass?
Standards: English Language Arts | Arizona Department of Education
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
Filter by specific topic area(s) to find state-specific work:
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.
