Oklahoma lawmakers have formed a bipartisan Reading Caucus to support early literacy efforts and track the results of recent changes to state reading policy.
The group will be co-chaired by Representatives Mike Lay and Suzanne Schreiber and Senators Ally Seifried and Mark Mann, bringing together Republicans and Democrats from both legislative chambers.
“Every child should be reading proficiently by the end of the third grade, and we will support the evidence-based policies necessary to achieve that goal,” Lay said.
The caucus will focus on implementing changes to the Strong Readers Act, monitoring student outcomes and identifying any adjustments needed to improve the law.
Members also plan to highlight school districts showing results and examine approaches used in other states, including Mississippi.
“We have seen other states make tremendous progress by committing to strong, consistent policy grounded in the science of reading,” Seifried said.
Schreiber said the group will work toward lasting improvements in literacy. Mann emphasized that future changes should be based on evidence.
“Any good legislation will require tweaks along the way, but we want to make sure any changes to the law are grounded in data and putting students first,” Mann said.
The caucus plans to meet regularly with educators, parents and national experts to help guide its work.
