Senator Pugh Advances Landmark Literacy Reform to Strengthen Early Reading Outcomes

OKLAHOMA CITY - Senate Education Chairman Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, today advanced Senate Bill 1778, comprehensive legislation to strengthen Oklahoma’s Strong Readers Act and ensure more students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

Senate Bill 1778, a top legislative priority for Senator Pugh this session, makes significant reforms aimed at improving early literacy outcomes through targeted intervention, increased accountability and more communication with parents.

Senator Pugh said the reforms are designed to create long-term improvements in student achievement across Oklahoma.

“Reading is the foundation for all learning, and if we don’t get literacy right in the early years, we are setting students up to struggle for the rest of their time in school and the workforce,” Senator Pugh said. “This legislation takes a comprehensive, data-driven approach to make sure every child has the support they need to succeed. This bill ensures we are identifying reading challenges early and intervening aggressively, while still giving students multiple opportunities to demonstrate progress. We are focused on helping students succeed, not simply holding them back.

“This is about changing outcomes for kids across our state. By focusing on early literacy, strengthening instruction, and increasing accountability, we are making a meaningful investment in the future of Oklahoma.”

Early Literacy Screening

The measure streamlines early literacy screening by directing the State Board of Education to approve a single, high-quality screening program beginning in the 2026-2027 school year, replacing the current requirement of multiple assessments. It also strengthens parental involvement by requiring school districts to provide monthly written progress updates for students receiving individualized reading intervention plans.

Senate Bill 1778 places a strong emphasis on early intervention by requiring intensive reading support for children in first through third grades identified with significant reading deficiencies beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.

Beginning in the 2027-2028 school year, the bill introduces structured pathways for students who are not meeting grade-level reading expectations.

Establishing Proficiency

This bill also provides for a trained Reading Specialist in every elementary school site, additional robust professional development opportunities, micro-credentials and targeted high-quality training through our universities and higher education institutions, and the State Department of Education summer literacy training academies.

Accountability

The legislation also reinforces accountability in teacher preparation programs by requiring audits to ensure alignment with science of reading standards. Programs found out of compliance will face probationary status until necessary improvements are made.

Flexibility

Additionally, Senate Bill 1778 provides flexibility for the State Board of Education to utilize public and private funding sources to support implementation of the Strong Readers Act.

Senate Bill 1778 now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

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