OP-ED: Shapiro must put early literacy ahead of lip service
As a state representative, I can’t sit quietly while one of the most important issues for our kids gets ignored – early literacy. We’re not talking about a side issue here. This is the foundation for everything else a child will ever learn.
Recently, in a Senate confirmation hearing, Acting Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe laid out a strong, clear case for structured literacy: the science-backed way to teach reading that works for every child saying it was the top issue for her department of education. Her message couldn’t be more urgent. Unfortunately, Gov. Josh Shapiro seems more interested in colorful language for the cameras than in having serious conversations about getting kids reading at grade level.
Structured literacy isn’t just a catchy phrase. It’s decades of research proving systematic, evidence-based reading instruction that includes phonics, decoding and comprehension gives kids the tools they need to succeed. Yet in Pennsylvania, only 54% of third-graders are reading proficiently. That’s not just a bad number; it’s a crisis. Kids who don’t read well by third grade struggle in every subject, fall behind and face long-term consequences well into adulthood.
I’ve asked repeatedly to meet with Gov. Shapiro to talk about implementing structured literacy statewide. Every request has been met with silence. Meanwhile, the public sees him making time for photo ops and rhetoric that might make headlines but does nothing for our kids. That’s not leadership.
This isn’t a Republican or Democrat issue. Mississippi and Louisiana turned their reading scores around by embracing this exact approach. If they can do it, Pennsylvania can too. We have the resources; we have the experts; and thanks to Acting Secretary Rowe, we have a leader at the department who sees the value. What we don’t have is a governor willing to engage and lead on it.
Gov. Shapiro, it’s time to stop dodging the conversation. Listen to your acting education secretary. Meet with those of us who are ready to act. Commit to a real, statewide structured literacy initiative. The science is clear, the need is urgent; and the clock is ticking.
Our kids can’t afford to wait for you to empty the “swear jar” before they get the help they need to read, learn and thrive.
Jason Ortitay represents the 46th Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.