Today, Governor Kevin Stitt signed Senate Bill 1778 into law, strengthening Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act and making historic investments to help ensure every student can read by the end of third grade. The legislation strengthens early literacy efforts through statewide reading screenings, targeted interventions grounded in the science of reading, additional support and training for teachers, stronger accountability measures and improved communication with parents about their child’s reading progress. Under the new law, schools will identify reading deficiencies earlier and provide evidence-based interventions to help students improve before they fall behind. The legislation also expands teacher training opportunities, increases classroom support for educators and establishes new expectations for colleges of education preparing Oklahoma’s future teachers. House Speaker Kyle Hilbert, R-Bristow, the House author for this legislation, said the new law implements strategic programs that have shown to prove real, data-driven results and takes a critical step in strengthening Oklahoma's student outcomes and future workforce. “This was my top priority this session,” said Hilbert. “We have to follow the data and pursue policies that produce better outcomes for our students. The status quo has not been good enough, and this legislation is about ensuring every Oklahoma child has the strong foundation they need to succeed.” Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, the Senate author of the measure, affirms that parent involvement is key to the success of this legislation. “By identifying reading challenges early and providing meaningful, targeted support before students fall behind, we are ensuring children will be equipped to read to learn," said Pugh. "A major key to this legislation is involving parents in the process. This legislation has been designed so Oklahoma will have the strongest literacy program in the country. We should not accept anything less than every single child being able to read at grade level. This measure ensures we are giving every child that opportunity.” The legislation received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Oklahoma Legislature. Based on Spring 2025 testing, just 27 percent of Oklahoma third graders are reading at or above grade level. Senate President Pro Temp Lonnie Paxton, R-Tuttle, said the legislation establishes stronger expectations and support systems to help students achieve reading proficiency by third grade. “Senate Bill 1778 is a major step forward in ensuring every Oklahoma child has the foundational reading skills they need to succeed," said Paxton. By setting clear expectations, strengthening early intervention and giving parents more involvement, we’re making it clear that reading proficiency by third grade is not optional, it’s essential. This legislation reflects a strong commitment to accountability and results, and I appreciate the overwhelming support from both chambers as the governor signs this today.” To support these reforms, the state budget includes significant investments in literacy initiatives, including more than $43 million for reading instruction and interventions in schools, $5 million in supplemental funding for teacher training academies this summer, and $5 million in ongoing annual funding for teacher training programs. Additional funding will support reading-at-home initiatives and statewide math and reading screeners to help educators identify student learning needs earlier. “Reading paves the way for bright futures. That’s why I’m proud to sign a bill that helps ensure our kids learn this foundational skill by the end of third grade,” said Governor Kevin Stitt. “This is about early support, strong instruction, and giving parents the information they need to keep their kids on track. Because with a strong foundation, the next generation of Oklahomans can chase their American Dream. I thank Speaker Hilbert and Senator Pugh for leading on this important issue.” The Strong Readers Act is designed to ensure students develop critical literacy skills early in their education, setting them up for long-term academic success and expanding opportunities for Oklahoma’s future workforce.