Senate Passes Sen. Pugh Bill to Strengthen Literacy Education in Oklahoma

OKLAHOMA CITY – The Oklahoma Senate today advanced legislation to enhance literacy education and ensure future educators receive training in the science of reading.

Senate Bill 841, the Strong Readers Act, authored by Senator Adam Pugh, who serves as the Senate Education Committee chairman, passed with strong support and now moves to the House for consideration.

“I am committed to ensuring every child in Oklahoma has the foundational literacy skills needed for lifelong success,” Senator Pugh said. “By expanding reading instruction to teachers in early childhood education, elementary education and special education with the latest research-based reading instruction, this legislation will help us move the needle on reading proficiency and overall academic achievement. Oklahoma’s future depends on our students being strong readers. Prioritizing evidence-based instruction gives both students and teachers the tools they need to succeed. This is a crucial step in ensuring every child, regardless of background or learning challenges can reach their full potential.”

The measure strengthens the Strong Readers Act by refining how students with characteristics of dyslexia are identified. It also modifies the purpose of the Statewide Literacy Revolving Fund to better support literacy initiatives across the state.

Additionally, Senate Bill 841 directs the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education to integrate science-based reading instruction into early childhood, elementary and special education teacher preparation programs. The legislation also continues the state’s recent emphasis on Education Preparation Programs and aligns curriculum with the Science of Reading.

Senate Bill 841 builds on the state’s ongoing efforts to improve literacy outcomes and ensure that every student has access to high-quality reading instruction.

###