Bills · HR 7890
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7890Language artsTeaching, teachers, curricula
Science of Reading Act of 2026
INTRO MAR 12· LAST ACTION SEP 17
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
3BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Reported, not passed
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it attempts to direct how a significant portion of federal education funding for literacy is used, potentially influencing reading instruction nationwide. If it becomes law, it means that federal dollars will actively promote a specific, research-backed approach to reading (the "science of reading") while discouraging another (the "three-cueing model"). Supporters believe this shift will improve literacy rates and ensure all students receive effective reading instruction, as the "science of reading" is seen as the most effective method, especially for struggling readers.
If the bill does not become law, states and local districts would retain more flexibility in choosing literacy instructional approaches supported by federal funds, without the explicit exclusion of the "three-cueing model" or the strong prioritization of the "science of reading" as defined in this bill. The debate over how best to teach reading has significant real-world impact, as literacy is fundamental to educational success and future opportunities for children. This bill aims to push instruction towards methods many experts believe are most effective.
KEY PROVISIONS
4AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Amends the definition of "comprehensive literacy instruction" under federal law to specifically exclude the use of a "three-cueing model."
This prohibits schools using federal literacy grant money from employing a common instructional method that critics argue is less effective.
PROVISION 02
Defines "science of reading" as an evidence-based research body that emphasizes phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, and explicitly states it does not use a "three-cueing model."
This establishes a specific, federally recognized standard for effective reading instruction that schools must follow to receive certain funds.
PROVISION 03
Requires state applications for Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants to describe how their literacy plans align with the "science of reading."
This ensures states are transparent about their instructional approaches and encourages alignment with the bill's preferred methods.
PROVISION 04
Prioritizes Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants and related subgrants (for birth through K and K-12) for applications that are aligned to the "science of reading."
This uses federal funding as an incentive to encourage states and local schools to adopt specific, research-backed reading instruction methods.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 3
R· Indiana
YRS IN OFFICE
3
BILLS LED
49
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 66%
DEM 1 REP 2 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
27 EVENTSSEP 17
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
SEP 16
Mr. Walberg moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
SEP 16
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5911-5913)
SEP 16
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7890.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7890
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedMar 12, 2026
Last actionSep 17, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · EDUCATION AND WORKFORCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2026
House BillHR 7890Language artsTeaching, teachers, curricula
Science of Reading Act of 2026
INTRODUCED MAR 12, 2026· LAST ACTION SEP 17, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
3
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
