Pennsylvania Schools to Adopt New Reading Curriculum

All state public schools must implement evidence-based reading instruction by the 2027-2028 academic year.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Primary Education

Isometric editorial illustration of a neat grid of wooden letter blocks, representing structural literacy and academic policy. — Pennsylvania is requiring all public schools to transition to evidence-based reading curricula by the 2027-2028 academic year to boost student literacy rates. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should your local school district be required to adopt a state-mandated reading curriculum?

Pennsylvania is mandating that all public school entities adopt evidence-based reading curricula by the 2027-2028 school year. This shift follows data showing that 50% of state third graders were not proficient in reading in 2025.

Why it matters

The mandate aims to reverse a decade of declining literacy rates among elementary students across Pennsylvania. State officials are requiring schools to utilize structured literacy methods to ensure consistent academic progress.

A survey of 762 public school entities found that 63% currently provide structured literacy professional development. Meanwhile, only 60% of districts in the northern tier currently utilize the state's 23 recommended curriculum options.

The players

Pennsylvania Department of Education

This state-level agency is responsible for overseeing public education and implementing the new reading instruction standards.

The details

Act 47 of 2025 requires schools to conduct universal student screenings three times per year to inform lesson plans. Structured literacy programs focus on the explicit explanation of letter sounds and provide direct teacher feedback during practice sessions.

In 2015, 38% of third graders were not proficient in reading.
By 2025, 50% of third graders were not proficient in reading as Act 47 was enacted.
All curriculum, screening, and training requirements must be implemented by the 2027-2028 school year.

Culture Shift

The statewide mandate represents a broader shift toward structured literacy, moving away from past instructional models that failed to improve student outcomes. It aligns Pennsylvania with a growing national movement to standardize elementary reading programs based on cognitive science.

Parents can expect elementary classrooms to transition toward a structured literacy approach that utilizes frequent universal screenings. These changes will likely influence how teachers provide feedback and adjust instruction to meet individual student reading needs.

The takeaway

Families should monitor district communications for updates on new reading materials and assessment schedules. Understanding these changes can help parents support student literacy development during the transition period.