Senate study examines the Science of Reading

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Senate Education Committee heard from an array of literacy and reading experts Wednesday to learn more about the Science of Reading. The study was requested by the committee’s chairman, Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, who has been working continuously to find policy solutions to help boost Oklahoma student reading proficiency.

“Having talked to countless Oklahoma educators and parents, improving Oklahoma’s student literacy outcomes is the greatest challenge facing our state. Literacy is a far-reaching issue that impacts everything from a child’s self-esteem to their ability to learn and expand their imaginations,” Pugh said. “In grade school, students learn to read but in fourth grade, children start reading to learn. Being able to read then is critical for their future success both in the classroom and into adulthood.”

Speakers included representatives from Tools 4 Reading and ExcelinEd, along with two Oklahoma public school reading teachers and a University of Oklahoma professor of reading and literacy education.

“I appreciate our speakers for providing additional insight into some of the successful programs being used to boost student reading proficiency and the importance of properly training reading teachers to better recognize and address the special needs and barriers of students throughout their learning journey,” Pugh said. “We will use this information as we move forward with policy considerations to further improve education for all Oklahoma students.”

A list of speakers and their presentations is available at https://oksenate.gov/committees/meeting-notices/education-revised-10.

-END-

For more information, contact:  Sen. Pugh: (405) 521-5622 or Adam.Pugh@oksenate.gov