Bill would tie federal literacy grants to "science of reading" methods
Passed one chamberH.R. 7890Latest action
Sponsor: Erin Houchin · Representative · IN
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Official title: Science of Reading Act of 2026
119th Congress
Topics: Education
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 7890 would prioritize federal literacy grants for states using evidence-based reading instruction over the three-cueing method.
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What does this do?
HR 7890, the Science of Reading Act of 2026, amends federal law to redefine how "Comprehensive Literacy State Development Grants" fund reading instruction. It defines "science of reading" to include phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing, while excluding the "three-cueing model." States applying for these grants must show alignment with this definition, and funding priority goes to those that comply.
Who does it affect?
This affects state education agencies, school districts, and grant applicants receiving federal literacy funding, as well as teachers and students in participating schools.
Why does it matter?
States and districts seeking this specific grant will need to adjust their reading program descriptions and methods to remain competitive for funding, though no school is federally required to change its curriculum.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 12, 2026
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.
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How it's being covered
Coverage of this bill from across the press. Each outlet's political lean is labeled where AllSides has rated it, and marked "Not rated" where it has not.
Newest of these articles:
dianeravitch.net
Not rated
Will Congress Mandate the “Science of Reading”Mar 31, 2026
app.buzzsumo.com
Not rated
An Addendum: The Science of Reading Act of 2026Mar 30, 2026
Lean labels describe the news outlet, not this bill or any party. Ratings by AllSides.