Georgia House Approves Literacy Bill Amid Reading Rate Concerns

Legislation aims to boost reading proficiency through funding and earlier school enrollment

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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The Georgia House has approved a comprehensive measure to address long-standing challenges with reading proficiency in the state. The bill includes funding for literacy coaches to support students from kindergarten through third grade and encourages parents to enroll their children in school a year earlier. House Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin said the legislation is designed to address the fact that 60% of Georgia's third graders cannot read at grade level.

Why it matters

Improving early literacy is seen as crucial for student success, as reading proficiency by the end of third grade is a key predictor of future academic achievement. The new legislation is part of a broader push in Georgia to strengthen early education and ensure students are reading at grade level by the end of third grade.

The details

The comprehensive literacy bill approved by the Georgia House includes funding for literacy coaches to work with students from kindergarten through third grade. The bill also encourages parents to enroll their children in school a year earlier than the current requirement. House Education Committee Chairman Chris Erwin said the legislation is aimed at addressing the fact that 60% of Georgia's third graders are not reading at grade level.

  • The Georgia House approved the literacy bill on February 24, 2026.

The players

Chris Erwin

The chairman of the Georgia House Education Committee, who said the bill is designed to address long-standing challenges with reading proficiency.

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What they’re saying

“Reading helps you dream, helps you dream bigger. Reading is fundamental to learning.”

— Chris Erwin, Georgia House Education Committee Chairman (kiss104fm.com)

What’s next

The literacy bill now moves to the Georgia Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

Improving early literacy is a key priority for Georgia lawmakers, who are seeking to address the fact that 60% of the state's third graders are not reading at grade level through increased funding, literacy coaching, and earlier school enrollment.