The bill aims to prohibit the use of the three-cueing system in reading instruction within public K-12 education in Alabama. It mandates that all reading instructional materials approved for use in schools must not include visual memory techniques for word recognition or the three-cueing system, which is based on meaning, structure, syntax, and visual cues. The legislation also establishes criteria for core curricula and instructional materials that align with the science of reading, ensuring that all reading instruction is based on evidence-based strategies that improve student outcomes. The bill outlines the responsibilities of the State Board of Education and local boards of education in enforcing these requirements.
Key provisions include the requirement for instructional materials to be high-quality and aligned with the Alabama Literacy Act, as well as the establishment of rules for educator preparation programs to ensure they utilize scientifically researched reading instructional strategies. The bill specifies that beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, any violations of these provisions will be reported to the local boards of education and the public. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2024.