New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy has signed a set of bills aimed at improving student literacy rates across the state. The legislation, which was signed into law on Tuesday (August 13), mandates semi-annual literacy screenings for students from kindergarten through third grade, starting in the 2025-26 school year. The state will also implement new educator training on reading instruction next school year. The measures are part of a broader effort to recover from pandemic-related learning losses and boost literacy rates among young learners.
The first bill, S-2644, establishes a Working Group on Student Literacy within the Department of Education. This group will be responsible for researching evidence-based literacy strategies, screenings, interventions for students, and professional development programs on literacy education for teachers. Based on the group's recommendations, the Department will develop and publish guidance for school districts on literacy strategies. The bill also mandates that school districts conduct two literacy screenings annually for all K-3 students and notify guardians of the results within 30 days.
The second bill, S-2647, establishes the Office of Learning Equity and Academic Recovery in the state education department. This office will coordinate resources and research best practices for literacy, learning equity, and learning acceleration. The legislation also includes $5.25 million to implement these literacy initiatives, which was earmarked in the 2025 state budget.
Governor Murphy said in a statement, “When it comes to overcoming barriers to literacy, we do not have time to waste.” He added that strong reading skills have the potential to open countless doors for young learners, and the state must work together to support accelerated literacy learning in communities across New Jersey.
The new laws hold special significance in Newark, where youth literacy rates have been struggling. Reading proficiency for the city’s third graders took a nosedive after the pandemic, and city leaders and educators have been employing various initiatives over the last few years to help students recover.
Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, who has been advocating for years for the literacy initiatives outlined in the two bills, said at a news conference, “From birth to third grade you are learning to read. From third grade and beyond, you are reading to learn.”