Early Literacy Focus of Interim Study
OKLAHOMA CITY – Rep. Rob Hall, R-Tulsa, hosted an interim study before the House Common Education Committee examining Oklahoma’s third-grade reading proficiency requirements and strategies to improve literacy outcomes for young students. “Literacy is the most important skill a child will ever learn in school,” Hall said. “It’s the foundation upon which all further education is built. If our students can’t read well by third grade, they’ll struggle in every other subject that follows.” The study featured Dr. Mary Dahlgren, founder of Tools for Reading, who discussed how the Science of Reading equips teachers to better support early learners, and Casey Taylor, senior policy director for literacy at ExcelinEd, who shared how Mississippi’s Literacy-Based Promotion Act led to major gains in reading proficiency. State Superintendent of Public Instruction Lindel Fields also attended the study and shared remarks on making literacy a central focus of his new administration. “It’s no secret that Oklahoma isn’t doing great on the literacy front,” Hall said. “But that doesn’t have to be our future. States like Mississippi have shown that massive literacy gains are achievable in just a few years. Widespread illiteracy is a policy choice, and it’s one we can choose to change.” Hall said the discussion will help guide future policy efforts centered on early intervention, teacher training and accountability. He plans to continue working with legislators, education leaders and parents in the upcoming session to strengthen reading programs and ensure more Oklahoma students are reading on grade level.