Utah Proposes $16M for Early Literacy Interventions

Bill would increase reading assessments and provide paraeducator support to boost 3rd grade reading proficiency

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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After a report showed nearly half of Utah K-3 students read below grade level, the state legislature is considering a bill to boost early literacy. The bill would increase reading assessments to three times per year starting in kindergarten and allocate $16 million to school districts for paraeducator support. The goal is to have 80% of 3rd graders reading at grade level by 2030, up from the current 50.3% proficiency rate.

Why it matters

Improving early literacy is seen as crucial for student success, as reading proficiency by 3rd grade is a strong predictor of high school graduation and future outcomes. The bill aims to provide more targeted interventions to address disparities, with the biggest gaps seen among English learners, students with disabilities, Hispanic/Latino students, and economically disadvantaged students.

The details

The bill sponsored by Republican Sen. Ann Millner would require individualized reading plans for students below the state benchmark, with the possibility of 3rd graders reading significantly below grade level being held back. However, there would be exceptions and an appeals process. The funding would allow schools flexibility in how to implement the additional support, such as during class, after school, or in summer programs.

  • In 2025, only 50.3% of Utah 3rd graders were reading at grade level.
  • The new goal is to reach 80% 3rd grade reading proficiency by 2030.
  • The $16 million in funding would be ongoing starting in the current legislative session.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Governor of Utah who has made improving early literacy one of his top priorities.

Ann Millner

The Republican state senator sponsoring the bill to boost early literacy interventions.

Carol Moss

A Democratic state representative and retired teacher who expressed concerns about the potential stigma of 3rd grade retention.

Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute

A research institute that published a report showing wide disparities in 3rd grade reading proficiency across Utah.

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What they’re saying

“The goal here is to help every child read. It is so fundamental to their success, we know they're more likely to graduate from high school, we know that they are less likely to end up in the social welfare system or in the criminal justice system if they can read.”

— Ann Millner, State Senator (dailyfly.com)

“By third grade kids' socialization is more intense, and I think there's going to be stigma. I'm glad to see you have exceptions. It's going to stigmatize kids, and particularly you pointed out, English-language learners might get exceptions. Why not have it earlier?”

— Carol Moss, State Representative (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill now heads to the full Utah House for consideration after passing the House Education Committee. If approved, the $16 million in funding would be allocated starting in the current legislative session to support the new early literacy initiatives.

The takeaway

Utah's proposed $16 million investment in early literacy interventions, including more frequent assessments and paraeducator support, reflects a statewide effort to dramatically improve 3rd grade reading proficiency and address longstanding disparities, with the ultimate goal of setting up more students for academic and life success.