Pennsylvania Schools to Adopt New Reading Curriculum
Public elementary schools must implement evidence-based reading instruction and screenings by the 2027-2028 school year.
Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Primary Education
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Pennsylvania is mandating that all public schools adopt evidence-based reading curriculum by the 2027-2028 school year under Act 47. The initiative aims to reverse a decade-long trend in which reading proficiency rates for third graders have dropped significantly.
Why it matters
This mandate addresses a steady decline in foundational literacy, as the portion of third graders not proficient in reading rose from 38% in 2015 to 50% in 2025. By standardizing instruction, the state aims to ensure consistent, effective teaching methods across all districts.
A survey of 762 public school entities found that while 63% currently provide structured literacy training, usage of recommended curricula varies, such as the 60% rate reported in northern tier districts.
The players
Pennsylvania Department of Education
The state agency responsible for overseeing public school standards and ensuring compliance with educational mandates.
The details
Structured literacy centers on the explicit explanation of letter sounds paired with direct teacher feedback during student practice. To comply with Act 47, schools must integrate these teaching methods alongside universal screenings conducted three times each year. These assessments allow educators to monitor progress and adjust lesson plans to better support individual student needs.
Timeline
2015: 38% of Pennsylvania third graders were not proficient in reading.
2025: Act 47 was enacted, coinciding with a 50% non-proficiency rate.
2027-2028 school year: Schools must complete implementation of curriculum, screenings, and training.
The Home Front
Act 47 of 2025 aligns with a broader legislative shift toward codifying structured literacy as the standard for public elementary instruction. This move follows a national pattern of states moving to mandate evidence-based reading tools to combat post-2015 declines in proficiency.
Families with elementary students should ask their local school district about their current adoption status for the 23 state-recommended reading curricula. Tracking this progress can help parents understand what specific screening methods and literacy supports their children will receive.
The takeaway
The move to structured literacy represents a shift toward more consistent instructional feedback for young learners. Parents can support this by engaging with teachers during scheduled screenings to identify where their child may need extra reinforcement in phonics or reading comprehension.
Further reading
Learn more about the state's literacy initiatives by visiting Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Weny.
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