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Bill

SB 1502

literacy endorsement; curricula; special education

57th Legislature - First Regular Session Introduced by Dave Farnsworth

Arizona requires teachers to earn literacy endorsements and schools to use evidence-based reading instruction, including for special education students, improving literacy outcomes statewide.

Signed by Governor
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Bill Summary · SB 1502

Legislative bill overview

SB 1502 establishes a literacy endorsement for Arizona teachers and requires schools to implement curricula based on evidence-based literacy instruction practices. The bill also addresses literacy requirements within special education programs, ensuring students with disabilities receive structured literacy instruction aligned with mainstream best practices.

Why is this important

Literacy is foundational to academic success across all subjects, and research consistently shows that evidence-based reading instruction (particularly structured literacy approaches) significantly improves outcomes for all students, including those with dyslexia and other reading disabilities. This bill creates accountability mechanisms and teacher credentialing standards to scale effective literacy practices statewide, which can reduce long-term achievement gaps and improve economic competitiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Teacher preparation burden: The literacy endorsement requirement may strain teacher preparation programs and create costs for current teachers seeking recertification, potentially impacting teacher supply in rural districts
  • Curriculum standardization debate: Mandating "evidence-based" curricula could conflict with local control preferences and district autonomy in selecting instructional materials
  • Special education implementation: Integrating literacy requirements into IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) may require additional special education specialist training and potentially increase service delivery costs without corresponding funding increases

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

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