Legislation to improve literacy rates in Oklahoma’s public schools, including through third-grade retention when necessary, is now headed to the House floor after receiving unanimous approval in committee.

“Once again, we are making a historic investment into our common education system,” said House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow. “The difference is that we are implementing strategic programs that have been shown to provide real, data-driven results. This bill is not a partisan issue—we all want our kids to read by the third grade.”

Senate Bill 1778, by state Sen. Adam Pugh and Hilbert, strengthens the state’s Strong Readers Act, giving teachers additional training and support and ensuring students can read by the third grade.

The legislation includes early identification of reading deficiencies through consistent, statewide screening; targeted intervention grounded in the science of reading; clear communication with parents about their child’s reading progress and available at-home supports; accountability measures to ensure students demonstrate reading ability before advancing to the next grade; gives second graders the option of taking the state test; expands teacher training and classroom support to improve instruction outcomes; includes new requirements and accountability for colleges of education training future teachers; provides a new funding formula that directs additional funds to students who need more help and rewards schools the produce growth; and creates a revolving fund to encourage public-private partnerships.

This year’s state budget agreement includes more than $43 million for reading instruction and interventions in schools, $5 million in supplemental investment for teacher training academies this summer, and $5 million in ongoing annual funding for teacher training programs. In addition, the state will invest more than $5 million in reading-at-home initiatives and provide dedicated funding for math and reading screeners to help educators identify and address student learning needs earlier.

SB 1778 passed the House Appropriations and Budget Committee on a bipartisan 28-0 vote. The bill will next be heard on the House floor.

In 2015, Oklahoma students performed near the national average in reading. Today, Oklahoma students trail peer states by more than a full grade level. Based on Spring 2025 testing, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level.