SYRACUSE, N.Y., March 26, 2026 — The Reading League (TRL) applauds the growing bipartisan momentum to improve literacy outcomes for children across the United States. The Science of Reading Act of 2026 prioritizes the use of federal funds for instruction grounded in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing. The bill also recognizes the critical role of oral language, background knowledge, and the connection between reading and writing, while discouraging instructional approaches, such as three-cueing, that are not aligned with scientific evidence.
“Literacy is a fundamental human right and the gateway to all further learning,” said Dr. Maria Murray, president and chief executive officer. “It is encouraging to see federal policy aligning with the vast body of research that defines the science of reading. Thoughtful implementation of this legislation has the potential to improve reading outcomes for all students, regardless of their zip code.”
The Reading League also recognizes Representative John W. Mannion (NY-22) for his leadership as a co-sponsor of this legislation. As a career educator from Central New York, Representative Mannion understands firsthand that evidence-aligned instruction is essential for student success.
“As a teacher for nearly three decades, I know that strong reading skills are foundational to a student’s success in the classroom and in life. The Science of Reading Act of 2026 delivers proven, evidence-based instruction that helps students build those skills early and effectively,” said Representative John W. Mannion. “As states continue adopting the science of reading approach, this bipartisan effort creates a clear, consistent framework to improve outcomes nationwide. This is a critical step toward ensuring that the United States remains globally competitive and every student has the tools they need to succeed from the classroom to their career.”
Decades of scientific research have made clear how children learn to read and why some students experience difficulty. As policymakers continue to consider this legislation, it is critical that efforts remain grounded in evidence and focused on what it takes to translate policy into practice.
The Reading League works alongside educators, school systems, and state leaders nationwide to support the implementation of evidence-aligned reading instruction. TRL remains committed to serving as a trusted resource for policymakers and educators working to ensure every child has the opportunity to become a skilled reader.
About The Reading League
Celebrating a decade of impact, The Reading League is a national education nonprofit based in Syracuse, N.Y., advancing evidence-aligned reading instruction through advocacy, professional learning, research, and a growing network of 46 chapters. The Reading League’s work is grounded in the science of reading—decades of research revealing how the brain learns to read and which instructional practices are most effective. The Reading League believes that all children deserve to learn to read, and all teachers can learn to teach them. For more information, please visit thereadingleague.org.
