US EditionGeorgia 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 Early Literacy Act of 2026 by a 49-0 vote, targeting improved reading proficiency in kindergarten through third grade across the state.
- Lawmakers prioritized the measure after studies showed about 62% of third-graders were not reading proficiently in 2024, prompting Georgia to adopt teaching methods modeled after successes in Alabama and Mississippi.
- The legislation provides a $70 million grant to fund 1,313 school-based literacy coaches, requiring them to spend at least 70% of their day working directly with teachers and students in classrooms.
- House Speaker Jon Burns, who prioritized the bill, described it as a "generational difference" for Georgia students, as the amended measure now returns to the House for final approval.
- State education officials will oversee implementation of the literacy plan, while the Georgia Council on Literacy will accelerate its termination date to Dec. 31, 2026, to streamline future reporting responsibilities.
13 Articles
13 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
Following 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…
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