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Georgia Lawmakers Pass Early Literacy Act of 2026 Aimed at Improving Reading Outcomes Statewide
The bill keeps literacy coaches in every K-3 school and shifts funding to a $70 million annual grant, lawmakers said.
- On Tuesday, the Georgia Senate unanimously passed the Georgia Early Literacy Act by a 49-0 vote, directing new resources to students in kindergarten through third grade.
- Lawmakers prioritized this reform after studies showed about 62% of Georgia third-graders were not reading at a proficient level in 2024, signaling urgent need for intervention.
- The legislation provides $70 million in grant funding for literacy coaches, requiring they spend at least 70% of their school day directly in classrooms working with teachers and students.
- House Speaker Jon Burns called the act a "generational difference" for students, as the slightly amended bill now returns to the House before heading to Gov. Brian Kemp.
- The act accelerates the Georgia Council on Literacy's termination to Dec. 31, 2026, while mandating districts use state-approved curricula and implement updated dyslexia support standards.
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9 Articles
Student literacy overhaul poised for Georgia governor’s signature after compromise
House Speaker Jon Burns at a press conference following the passage of his priority literacy bill. Ross Williams/Georgia RecorderYoung Georgia students could soon get a hand hitting the books after the Legislature sent a literacy overhaul to the governor’s desk Tuesday. Both chambers unanimously passed a compromise version of House Bill 1193, which would place a specialized educator called a literacy coach in every school that teaches kindergart…
Georgia lawmakers pass Early Literacy Act of 2026 aimed at improving reading outcomes statewide
With only about 38% of Georgia students reading at or above grade level, according to the Georgia Council on Literacy, new state legislation is focusing on early reading, teacher support, and literacy coaching.
Henry Herald
Gwinnett Daily PostFollowing the lead of other Southern states, Georgia lawmakers adopt major school literacy initiative
ATLANTA — After watching high school graduation rates soar despite poor reading skills documented in tests, Georgia lawmakers have decided to send tens of millions of dollars to elementary schools to boost literacy rates. The Georgia Early Literacy Act approved…
Appen Media
Georgia Senate adds momentum to school literacy initiative
ATLANTA — The Georgia Senate overhauled one of the state House’s top priorities for the year, passing an amended version of the Georgia Early Literacy Act Tuesday. But the measure that the Senate approved unanimously maintains nearly all the core…
Student literacy overhaul poised for Georgia governor’s signature after compromise - Now Georgia
ATLANTA (Georgia Recorder) – Young Georgia students could soon get a hand hitting the books after the Legislature sent a literacy overhaul to the governor’s desk Tuesday. Both chambers unanimously passed a compromise version of House Bill 1193, which would place a specialized educator called a literacy coach in every school that teaches kindergarten to third grade. The bill was the top priority of House Speaker Jon Burns as a reaction to Georgia…
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