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HB 262

Establish state policy on evidence-based reading instruction

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Reksten

Montana bill mandating evidence-based reading instruction in schools died in Senate committee; would have required structured literacy and phonics-focused approaches statewide.

(S) Died in Standing Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 262

Legislative bill overview

HB 262 would establish a state policy requiring Montana schools to use evidence-based reading instruction methods, primarily emphasizing structured literacy and phonics approaches. The bill died in Senate committee in May 2025 after being tabled in the Education and Cultural Resources Committee in March.

Why is this important

Reading instruction methods significantly impact literacy outcomes, particularly for struggling readers and students with dyslexia. State-level policies on instructional approaches can affect curriculum adoption, teacher training, and resource allocation across all public schools.

Potential points of contention

  • Instructional freedom vs. standardization: Local districts and teachers may resist state mandates on specific teaching methods, viewing them as limiting pedagogical autonomy
  • Implementation costs: Requiring schools to adopt evidence-based programs may necessitate staff retraining, new curriculum materials, and assessment tools with associated budget impacts
  • Definition of "evidence-based": Disagreement exists among educators about which reading instruction methods have sufficient research support and whether phonics-heavy approaches adequately address comprehension and literacy engagement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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