House Bill No. introduced by L. Reksten and others establishes a state policy on early literacy instruction, mandating that such instruction be evidence-based and incorporate scientifically supported components. The bill emphasizes the importance of effective reading instruction, which includes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension strategies. It aims to ensure that reading instruction in public schools is grounded in rigorous research and that educators are equipped with the necessary knowledge to support diverse learners. The bill also specifies that instructional materials and methods must meet or exceed certain minimum requirements, thereby disallowing ineffective approaches to reading instruction.

The bill includes several key provisions, such as the definition of "evidence-based" and the requirement for early literacy instruction to follow a structured approach that is direct, systematic, and responsive. It outlines specific components that must be included in the instruction, such as phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Additionally, the bill sets an effective date of July 1, 2025, for its implementation. Overall, this legislation aims to improve literacy rates among students, particularly those at risk for reading difficulties, and to reduce achievement gaps across various backgrounds.