Pennsylvania Leaders Discuss Literacy Improvement Strategies

State officials and education leaders convened at the Daniel Boone Middle School in Amity Township, Pennsylvania, on January 12, 2026, to address critical literacy issues affecting students across the region. Their discussions focused on the recent steps taken by the state to enhance reading proficiency and the additional measures necessary to meet literacy goals.

Under the 2025-26 budget, Pennsylvania school districts are mandated to implement evidence-based reading curricula by the 2027-28 academic year and provide new training for teachers in literacy instruction. The budget allocates $10 million specifically for literacy initiatives, reflecting the state’s commitment to improving educational outcomes.

During the meeting, hosted by Senator Tracy Pennycuick as part of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, participants underscored the profound impact of literacy on students’ future success. “If a student can’t read, that causes trouble for the rest of that person’s life,” stated Senator David Argall, the committee chair. Pennycuick echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that reading serves as a foundational skill that influences all areas of education.

Next Steps for Literacy Improvement

Experts attending the event shared insights on essential next steps for state officials to ensure effective implementation of literacy strategies. A consensus emerged around two primary concerns: the need for adequate training for educators and the provision of necessary resources to support new curricula.

Shane Cross, director of curriculum and instruction for the Daniel Boone School District, highlighted the financial burden that implementing new curricula places on already stretched school budgets. He suggested the creation of a centralized repository for curriculum documents, which would facilitate collaboration among districts. “That would allow us to share each other’s work,” Cross remarked.

Cross also called for state funding to support literacy coaches and professional development for teachers. Similarly, Dr. Katie Kennedy-Reilly, who leads curriculum and instruction at the Souderton School District, stressed that effective reading instruction requires proper resources and training. “Learning to read is not magic; it’s craft and care,” she explained, advocating for a comprehensive approach to literacy education.

Financial challenges were a recurring theme during the discussions. Ryan Oxenford, director of curriculum at the Pottstown School District, shed light on the socioeconomic barriers faced by his students, with approximately 69% living below the poverty line. He cited an annual underfunding of up to $13 million, which complicates the implementation of new literacy programs.

Oxenford cautioned against over-reliance on standardized testing data, such as the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). He noted discrepancies in proficiency rates, stating that while 20% of third graders who did not score proficiently on the PSSA performed well on internal assessments, the timing of PSSA results limits the ability to make timely adjustments in teaching strategies.

Addressing Early Learning and Adult Literacy

The meeting also highlighted the importance of early education in literacy development. Dr. Donna Gaffney, director of organizational learning for the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, emphasized that access to quality early education is crucial. “Schools are faced with remediation, not learning,” she pointed out, calling for increased funding to support early learning initiatives.

Ashley Chambers, senior vice president of community impact at the United Way of Berks County, echoed this need, noting that many children arrive in kindergarten already behind in their learning. “These gaps don’t start in school; they start years earlier,” she stated, advocating for more state funding directed toward early education.

On the opposite end of the educational spectrum, Ryan Breisch, executive director of the Literacy Council of Reading-Berks, addressed the pressing issue of adult literacy. He reported that approximately 90,000 adults in Berks County are functionally illiterate, which creates significant barriers in areas such as employment and daily living. Breisch urged state officials to maintain funding for adult literacy programs, which are essential for improving overall community literacy.

The discussion concluded with a call for a structured approach to literacy initiatives. Candance Hall, a board member of the International Dyslexia Association, criticized the frequent failure of mandated educational initiatives, citing a 70% failure rate due to inadequate planning and resources. She advocated for a statewide implementation roadmap to guide districts in their literacy efforts.

As Pennsylvania continues to prioritize literacy, leaders at this meeting emphasized the need for sustained funding and leadership to ensure that all students have the opportunity to develop essential reading skills. The collective insights from educators and officials present highlight a commitment to enhancing literacy outcomes across the state, with the understanding that early intervention and ongoing support are key to success.