Committee Hears Broad Support for K–4 Structured Literacy Bill, Questions on Funding and Certification The Early Learning K–12 Education Committee heard hours of testimony in support of ESHB 12-95, which would require evidence-aligned literacy curricula and K–4 comprehensive programs when districts update curriculum. Supporters cited improved district results and equity; educators and unions raised concerns about implementation costs and added certificate requirements.

A new literacy bill could transform education for K–4 students in Washington by ensuring evidence-aligned curricula and comprehensive support, but will it come with the necessary funding?

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#WA #CitizenPortal #LiteracyEquity #EvidenceBasedInstruction #TeacherPreparation

Graphic with desert cacti and the text “Stories rooted in the Southwest,” surrounded by four Desert Ink Press children’s book covers featuring Indigenous stories and O’odham language learning.

Stories shape how children see themselves

At Desert Ink Press, we publish Indigenous and diverse children’s books rooted in culture, language, and community.

Learn more: desertinkpress.org

#DesertInkPress #booksforclassrooms #diversity #indigenous #tohonoo'odham
#LiteracyEquity #Nonprofit

Bear Valley Unified formalizes library review process after community comments; district says no books were banned Board received a presentation formalizing library book-review procedures: librarians read whole titles, a quarterly library committee ranks material for age appropriateness, one book was relocated to high school and the district said that no books were banned; public commenters cited national book-ban data and urged access.

Bear Valley Unified's new library review process sparks heated discussions, but officials confirm: no books have been banned!

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#CA #LiteracyEquity #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal

Teaching Our Children to Read - The Reading Partnership

Black Canadian children face systemic barriers to literacy.

I am proud to have participated in the Teaching Our Children To Read study that explored the issues and makes recommendations for change.

Read more: readingpartnership.com/teaching-our...

#InternationalLiteracyDay #LiteracyEquity

Congressional Hearing Addresses Literacy as Equity and Civil Rights Issue Witnesses highlight literacy's impact on economic mobility and advocate for inclusive curricula.

A recent congressional hearing revealed shocking literacy statistics and emphasized that education equity is not just a goal but a fundamental right that impacts our communities' future.

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#US #CivicEngagement #CitizenPortal #LiteracyEquity #TeacherSupport #CaliforniaEducation

Dr. Joseph shares 30 years of education experience at ATI review meeting Dr. Joseph discusses his educational journey and highlights from his career in education.

Dr. Joseph's inspiring journey from aspiring doctor to educational leader is reshaping Portland Public Schools' approach to literacy and equity.

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#OR #LiteracyEquity #EducationalLeadership

Connecting Literacy and Social Justice: An Action Agenda for Parents, Educators, and Policymakers – Mamapedia™ Literacy is not merely a classroom skill—it’s the lifeline that connects every child to opportunity, voice, and justice.

Every child deserves the power of reading. Our new article lays out an action agenda—bridging the Science of Reading with social justice for parents, educators & policymakers. Let’s work together to close the literacy gap.
more.mamapedia.com/articles/con...
#LiteracyEquity #EdPolicy

Colorado librarians advocate for protections amid rising book bans and censorship debates Librarians discuss book purchasing and censorship challenges in Colorado's school libraries.

In a heated session, Colorado librarians passionately advocate for protections against rising book bans that threaten equitable access to literature for all students.

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#CO #LiteracyEquity #CensorshipDebate #CitizenPortal #EducationAccess

Minnesota invests $111 million in innovative literacy programs under Read Act Minnesota launches groundbreaking literacy initiative to improve reading skills from kindergarten.

Minnesota is making waves in education with a groundbreaking $111 million investment in literacy programs, ensuring every child can thrive as a reader from kindergarten onward.

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#MN #StudentSuccess #LiteracyEquity #EducationInnovation #MinnesotaLiteracy #CitizenPortal

Connecticut bill aims to restrict libraries from restrictive e-book contracts Lawmakers propose bill to prevent libraries from signing restrictive e-book agreements.

Connecticut's new House Bill 6958 could revolutionize how libraries access e-books, removing barriers that limit digital resources for all residents.

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#CT #CivicEngagement #DigitalAccess #LiteracyEquity #CitizenPortal

Teach For America and My Brother's Keeper tackle literacy crisis for Tulsa's boys of color Tulsa's literacy crisis reveals only 26% of third graders read at grade level, raising concerns.

Only 26% of third graders in Tulsa are reading at grade level, sparking urgent calls for community action to bridge the alarming literacy gap.

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#TulsaTulsaCounty #OK #CommunityEngagement #ChildhoodDevelopment #LiteracyEquity #CitizenPortal #TulsaEducation