Summary of HRES 163: Promoting Grade-Level Reading Proficiency

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HRES 163

Title: Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the goal of education in schools across America shall be that virtually every student in the United States achieves grade-level reading proficiency.

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce

Introduced: February 25, 2025

Classification: Resolution

Purpose and Intent

HRES 163 aims to establish a clear educational goal for schools across the United States: to ensure that nearly every student achieves grade-level reading proficiency. The resolution emphasizes the importance of reading skills as foundational for success in education, employment, and life.

Key Provisions

The resolution includes several important provisions:

1. Recognition of Educational Goals:

   • Affirms that the primary goal of education should be for virtually all students to attain grade-level reading proficiency.

2. Encouragement of Literacy Programs:

   • Advocates for the development and implementation of literacy programs that provide 1-on-1 tutoring for students identified with a literacy gap of 1 year or more. This tutoring should occur 5 days per week until the student reaches grade-level reading.

3. Collaboration with Private Organizations:

   • Encourages state and local governments, including educational agencies, to partner with private organizations that offer proven literacy programs. This collaboration aims to identify and implement effective solutions to combat illiteracy.

4. Adult Literacy Initiatives:

   • Promotes the creation of adult literacy initiatives targeting individuals with reading skills below an eighth-grade level, facilitating their development and integration into society.

Impact

The resolution is designed to impact a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Students: Aiming to improve reading proficiency among students, particularly those struggling with literacy.
• Educators and Schools: Encouraging schools to adopt effective literacy programs and practices.
• State and Local Governments: Prompting collaboration with private entities to enhance educational resources and initiatives.
• Adults with Low Literacy Skills: Providing pathways for adult learners to improve their reading abilities.

Procedural Aspects

• The resolution was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Education and Workforce on February 25, 2025. Further actions will depend on the committee's review and recommendations.

Sponsors

The resolution is sponsored by:
- Bill Huizenga (Primary Sponsor)
- Kristen McDonald Rivet
- Tom Barrett
- Hillary J. Scholten
- Jack Bergman
- Debbie Dingell
- John R. Moolenaar
- Shri Thanedar
- John James

This resolution reflects a commitment to improving literacy across the nation, recognizing its critical role in educational success and lifelong achievement.