This bill amends the Public School Code of 1949 to establish an after-school reading program aimed at improving literacy among students in kindergarten through grade two. Starting in the 2026-2027 school year, school entities will have the option to create after-school or summer peer tutoring programs that utilize teen leaders from the community to provide one-on-one structured literacy tutoring. The program will employ an evidence-based phonics curriculum and will require the Department of Education to develop guidance, including a model curriculum and training modules, by December 31, 2025.

Additionally, the bill outlines specific operational principles for the program, including the frequency and duration of tutoring sessions, as well as requirements for reporting data on student participation and progress. School entities can fund these programs through federal, state, or private sources, with a focus on prioritizing schools with a high percentage of students not meeting reading benchmarks. The bill also defines key terms related to the program, such as "structured literacy," "teen leader," and "evidence-based phonics curriculum." The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1910 (Jun 11, 2025): P.L.30, No.14