Literacy is the foundation of opportunity, and our state is falling behind. Right now, just 33 percent of Pennsylvania fourth graders can read proficiently. In Philadelphia, that figure is 17 percent.
The statistics are not new — but their implications are staggering. Fourth grade marks a pivotal shift: Students transition from learning to read to reading to learn. When two-thirds of our students miss that benchmark, they begin a long uphill battle. Children who struggle to read by fourth grade are far more likely to disengage from school, face limited job prospects, and struggle to participate fully in society as adults.
Low literacy is costing PA an estimated $113 billion every year in lost earnings, economic productivity, and increased spending on health care, criminal justice and social services. That’s money we could be using to close our $5 billion budget deficit, invest in SEPTA, expand workforce pipelines, or improve public health.
At a time when PA is competing to attract businesses, grow its economy, and ensure children are prepared for life, we cannot afford to treat literacy as a secondary issue. It is the issue.
Change is possible
Just look at Mississippi. Ten years ago, it ranked 49th in the nation in reading outcomes. Today, it ranks ninth. How? Mississippi made early literacy the statewide priority. The state passed comprehensive, bipartisan legislation, ensured implementation was funded, and made sure that teachers, school leaders, and families had the support they needed to bring research-aligned reading instruction into every classroom. The results: MS’s low-income students now lead the nation in fourth-grade reading. Hispanic students rank first. Black students rank third. These outcomes were once unthinkable. But they are now a reality because of bold, coordinated action.
This begs the question: Since when did PA — home to world-class research universities, leading medical and life sciences institutions, and a proud tradition of innovation — become comfortable with mediocrity when it comes to teaching our children to read?
Literacy is a multiplier — an investment that improves outcomes across every domain.
Let’s be clear: Literacy is not optional. It is not a partisan issue. It is not one more item on a long policy to-do list. It is the gateway to everything else: success in school, access to good jobs, civic participation, economic mobility, and public safety.
No one is suggesting we ignore other pressing needs. Basic supports like health care, food, and housing remain essential. But literacy is a multiplier — an investment that improves outcomes across every domain. A child who learns to read becomes an adult who can thrive. A workforce that reads is a workforce that innovates. A society that values literacy is one that builds equity, prosperity, and progress.
Early literacy up for votes in Harrisburg
Right now, the PA legislature has the chance to take historic action. Senate Bill 700 and House Bill 684 — both bipartisan — would establish a comprehensive, statewide early literacy program based on the science of reading. If passed, properly funded, and effectively implemented, these bills would equip educators with the high-quality training, literacy coaches, and materials needed to deliver evidence-based instruction. They offer our clearest opportunity yet to change course — and lead the nation in doing so.
But strong policy alone is not enough. It must be coupled with meaningful investment. Backed by over 50 cross-sector organizations, the PA Literacy Coalition is calling for a $100 million investment to jumpstart implementation, build capacity in schools, and ensure that every child — regardless of zip code — has access to effective reading instruction. This is not a cost. It’s a down payment on our future.
Yes, PA faces real fiscal challenges. And yes, it would be easier to push literacy funding to next year. But every year we delay, more children fall behind. More opportunity is lost. More money drains from our economy. We cannot let this moment pass.
PA must act — with urgency and with vision. Our children, our educators and our economy deserve better than what we are currently delivering.
Let’s lead. Let’s invest. Let’s make sure that every child in Pennsylvania can learn to read — and read to learn.
Rachael Garnick is a former first grade teacher who currently leads the Pennsylvania Literacy Coalition, an initiative of Teach Plus PA advocating for comprehensive, evidence-based literacy policies. Learn more at paliteracy.org.
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