The proposed 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 utilize structured literacy strategies focused on phonics and decoding, explicitly excluding the three-cueing system, which is based on meaning, structure, syntax, and visual cues. The bill also establishes that instructional strategies may include visual information to enhance comprehension but cannot be used for teaching foundational reading skills. Additionally, it requires the State Board of Education to adopt rules for educator preparation programs to ensure that reading instruction is based on scientifically researched and evidence-based strategies.
Key provisions of the bill include the prohibition of instructional materials that employ the three-cueing system or visual memory for word recognition, with enforcement beginning in the 2025-2026 school year. If violations occur, the State Board of Education is tasked with notifying local boards of education, the Legislature, and the public. The bill emphasizes the importance of high-quality instructional materials that are proven effective in teaching essential reading skills, ensuring that all students receive appropriate reading instruction. The act is set to take effect on June 1, 2025.