Education Leaders Convene in Berks to Address Literacy Challenges

Education officials and experts convened at Daniel Boone Middle School in Berks County on January 12, 2026, to discuss the pressing issue of literacy in Pennsylvania. The gathering, hosted by the Senate Majority Policy Committee under the leadership of State Senator Tracy Pennycuick, aimed to explore recent initiatives and future strategies to enhance reading proficiency among students.

The Pennsylvania state budget for 2025-26 mandates that all school districts implement evidence-based reading curricula by the 2027-28 academic year. Additionally, it allocates $10 million for literacy instruction and related initiatives. During the meeting, Senator David Argall, chair of the committee, emphasized the lifelong consequences of reading difficulties. He stated, “If a student can’t read, that causes trouble for the rest of that person’s life.”

Senator Pennycuick echoed this sentiment, highlighting the foundational role of reading in a child’s education. “Reading is not a topic for kids; it is a building block for everything,” she noted, stressing the necessity of effective literacy instruction.

Identifying Next Steps for Improvement

The meeting included insights from various education professionals, who praised the state’s recent literacy initiatives while advocating for further action. A significant concern raised was the need for adequate training for educators and the necessary resources for implementing new curricula.

Shane Cross, director of curriculum and instruction for the Daniel Boone School District, addressed the financial strain that adopting the new curriculum could impose on districts already facing budgetary constraints. He proposed that the state establish a centralized resource hub for curriculum materials to facilitate collaboration among districts. “That would allow us to share each other’s work,” he suggested.

Additionally, Cross called for state funding to support resources like literacy coaches and training for teachers. Dr. Katie Kennedy-Reilly, the director of curriculum, instruction, assessment, and technology for the Souderton School District, emphasized that effective reading instruction is crucial. “Learning to read is not magic; it’s craft and care,” she said, underscoring the need for educators to have the right tools and training.

Financial challenges were a recurring theme, particularly voiced by Ryan Oxenford, director of curriculum and educational programs for the Pottstown School District. He reported that approximately 69% of students in his district live below the poverty line, and the district has been underfunded by as much as $13 million annually. “We’ve had to be resourceful; we have to do more with less,” he explained.

Oxenford cautioned against over-reliance on standardized testing data for assessing literacy programs. He noted discrepancies in student performance, stating that 20% of third graders who did not test proficient on the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA) performed well on internal assessments. He remarked, “We risk misdiagnosing both students and teachers,” urging state officials to reconsider evaluation methods.

Emphasizing Early Learning and Adult Literacy

The importance of early education was a focal point of the discussion. Dr. Donna Gaffney, director of organizational and professional learning for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, highlighted the need for high-quality early education to prevent students from starting school already behind. “Schools are faced with remediation, not learning,” she stated, calling for increased funding to support early learning initiatives.

Ashley Chambers, senior vice president of community impact for the United Way of Berks County, echoed Gaffney’s concerns, noting that many students arrive in kindergarten lacking foundational skills. “These gaps don’t start in school; they start years earlier,” she emphasized, advocating for earlier intervention.

The conversation also shifted to adult literacy. Ryan Breisch, executive director of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, discussed the challenges faced by the approximately 90,000 adults in Berks who are functionally illiterate. He urged state officials to maintain current funding levels for adult literacy programs, which are essential for enabling adults to navigate everyday tasks and support their children’s education.

Closing the meeting, Candance Hall, board member of the International Dyslexia Association, expressed concern about the effectiveness of mandated literacy initiatives. She pointed out that approximately 70% of such programs fail due to inadequate resources and planning. Hall called for a comprehensive implementation roadmap to guide districts in their literacy efforts.

Rachael Garnick, Pennsylvania Coalition Manager for Teach Plus, highlighted the necessity of funding and leadership in ensuring successful literacy outcomes. She advocated for an immediate $50 million in state funding for training, coaching, and materials, followed by an additional $50 million to alleviate financial barriers.

As experts and officials left the meeting, the collective call for action resonated: without a concerted effort to improve literacy, the future of countless students in Pennsylvania remains at risk.