On Tuesday, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Services (Labor-H) held a bipartisan hearing, “The Science of Reading.” Subcommittee Chairman Robert Aderholt (R-AL) used the hearing to highlight recent gains in literacy achievement in states that have adopted science of reading strategies, specifically Mississippi and Alabama. Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro (D-CT) stressed the role of the subcommittee in supporting and increasing federal investments in education research and educator preparation and professional development, as well as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and Title I to ensure federal dollars are used effectively to improve literacy. Witness Dr. Holly Lane, Director of the University of Florida Literacy Institute, testified to the need for federal support, including for research and educator preparation. ”Every state is attempting to improve literacy, but most don’t know where to begin,” she remarked. She added, “There is romanticism about local control of education- when there is local expertise, it works great. When there is little to no local expertise, it doesn’t work well.” She emphasized that federal research dollars through the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) largely funded the science of reading evidence base and discussed the rigorous process for awarding research dollars through IES. She stressed the importance of using evidence-based practices in educator preparation programs and highlighted the value of preparation grants supported through the Department of Education’s Office of Special Education Programs. Several Members discussed equity in literacy, from racial disparities to parents who struggle with their own literacy. Lane and others agreed that family literacy is a strong solution to create literacy-rich home environments. 

To view the hearing, go here.