Chairman Erickson opened the hearing on SB 517.

Dr. Cynthia Lane, Director of the Blueprint for Literacy, Kansas Board of Regents, explained the background of the work Kansas has done to enable students to read at top proficiency. Legislators have long recognized the urgency to improve literacy proficiency and passed The Every Child Can Read Act in 2022 and in 2024. Blueprint for Literacy was established and as is currently authorized, outlines a series of approaches the Kansas Board of Regents and the higher education system must implement to improve educator preparation and educator workforce development. The legislative intent of establishing the Blueprint is to ensure educators have the tools to ensure every student has the skills to become proficient readers. 

This bill offers Kansas clear and necessary evidence-based solutions by establishing a cohesive pre-kindergarten through post-secondary approach to literacy systems transformation. This bill recognizes that literacy development is a long-term cumulative process that requires alignment across early childhood, PK-12 education, educator preparation, and postsecondary systems.

Included in testimony are specific provisions in the bill and numerous amendments for consideration.

Literacy is foundational to student success, workforce readiness, and the long-term economic vitality of Kansas. This bill offers a clear, research aligned pathway to ensure that every child, regardless of background or geography, has the opportunity to become a proficient reader. (Attachment 11) (Attachment 12)

Discussion followed.

Hailey Burke, Student Ambassador, Decoding Dyslexia Kansas, told how school was not for her when she was young as nothing made sense and she felt that no one could see her. Her mother became a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT) and mother and daughter spent hundreds of hours together outside of school to improve her reading. Kids should not have to spend their childhood doing "extra" school just to understand reading. A specialist is a necessity for students during the school day, not a luxury. (Attachment 13)

Dawn Burke, Leader, Decoding Dyslexia Kansas and Hailey's mother, serves as an instructional coach in public schools. Working evenings and throughout the days of summer to provide academic therapy to struggling students. By bringing this level of expertise into the Blueprint for Literacy definition of "expert", steps are taken toward childhood remaining just that. We improve our school day towards literacy success for Kansas students.

Included in testimony are the following:

• Proposed Amendment Language
• IDA Certifications
• CERI Certifications
• Academic Language Therapy Association Certifications
• Western Kansas Resource Desert
• Frequently Asked Questions (Attachment 14)

Rachel Rubio, Parent of Kansas Students, spoke of late nights wondering of what the future would hold for her child. From a teacher's perspective, the weight is just as heavy, though it looks different. Teachers enter this profession with deep passion and an unwavering desire to do what is right for children. Literacy is the foundation of human capital. This is not simply an education issue; it is an economic imperative, a workforce issue, and a matter of access to opportunity. Every child who leaves school without strong literacy skills faces barriers to higher education, meaningful employment, and full participation in society.

This bill calls for system cohesion, meaningful family engagement, and evidence-aligned ways to support educators who are carrying this work forward every day. This bill is about aligning systems, increasing transparency and accountability, and creating shared ownership so that literacy is no longer dependent on zip code, circumstance, or chance.

Critical elements include statewide universal screener, Educator preparation program practicum and accreditation, and individual student literacy plans. This bill gives Kansas the opportunity to act with urgency, align our efforts, and hold our systems accountable for results. (Attachment 15)

Dr. Bev Schottler, Director of Academic Programs, Kansas Independent College Association, spoke about the Legislative Task Force on Dyslexia that illuminated urgent and statewide need for more reading specialists. The Blueprint for Literacy created a comprehensive statewide literacy framework intended to strengthen early reading instruction and ensure Kansas educators receive training aligned with evidence-based practices in the science of reading and structured literacy.

As the Blueprint for Literacy continues to unfold, several challenges remain that will require sustained attention and support from the Legislature:

• A Critical Shortage of Reading Specialists and Literacy Coaches
• Building Sustainable Coaching
• Strengthening Educator Preparation Pipelines
• Ensuring Schools Have the Resources to Implement Structured Literacy
• Continued Collaboration Across K-12 and Higher Education (Attachment 16)

Carolyn Carlson, Professor of Literacy Education, Washburn University, said section 7 of the bill speaks to ensuring higher education continues to improve our programs. A formal process for reviewing and strengthening programs is being created by using framework based upon institutional reviews done across the country but aligned to the expectations for the institutions in the state of Kansas. The framework examines three things: 1) course content and delivery, 2) clinical experiences, and 3) faculty expertise.Beyond the collaborative work, the Blueprint has provided the opportunity to institutions to engage in specific work to support literacy beyond coursework. (Attachment 17)

Proponent Written:

Sarah Bondy, Parent (Attachment 18)

Kylie Boyd, Parent (Attachment 19)

Alex C. Fender, Director of Evaluation, Center for Reading, Pittsburg State University (Attachment 20)

Claudia Fury-Aguirre, Manager of Kansas Policy and Outreach, Aligned (Attachment 21)

Timothy R. Graham, Director of Government Relations and Legislative Affairs, Kansas National Education Association (Attachment 22)

Amanda Lee, Parent (Attachment 23)

Dr. Suzanne Myers, Governor’s Appointee, Kansas Board of Regents Literacy Advisory Committee (Attachment 24)

Amber Pagan, Parent (Attachment 25)

Dr. Suzanne L. Porath, Associate Professor of Literacy and Teacher Education (Attachment 26)

Discussion followed.

Neutral:

Frank Harwood, Deputy Commissioner, Kansas State Department of Education, spoke to the committee regarding amendments the Department recommends. (Attachment 27)

Jim Karleskint, United School Administrators, said this bill builds on recent statewide literacy initiatives by expanding expectations related to literacy instruction, student reading plans, report requirements, and educator preparation. However, from a district implementation perspective, there are areas where clarifying amendments could strengthen the bill and help ensure successful implementation across Kansas schools. Consider allowing a phased implementation timeline so districts can align new reporting and program expectations with existing literacy initiatives already underway. Also consider allowing districts flexibility in meeting these requirements through shared regional reading specialists, virtual coaching support, or additional professional development for existing staff with literacy endorsements. (Attachment 28)

Neutral Written:

Emily Henley, Middle School Reading Specialist, USD 261 (Attachment 29)

Discussion followed.

Opponent:

Amanda Sharshel, Executive Director, Elementary Curriculum and Instructional Support, stated that as written, this bill raises serious concerns about feasibility, workforce capacity, and unintended consequences for districts across the state. They include:

• Mandates uniform "Science of Reading Only" practices without accounting for local context.
• Staffing mandates are not aligned with Kansas' Workforce Reality.
• Expanded reporting and intervention requirements create significant compliance burden without guaranteed funding.

While transparency and accountability are important, the expanded reporting structure risks shifting staff capacity away from direct instructional support and toward compliance activities. (Attachment 30)

Leah Fliter, Assistant Executive Director of Advocacy, Kansas Association of School Boards, said districts are already in special education funding crisis and there are significant unfunded mandates in this bill. Workforce, local control, and administrative concerns add to the requirements. (Attachment 31)

Discussion followed.

Chairman Erickson closed the hearing on SB 517 and adjourned the at 2:03 pm.

The next Senate Education Committee meeting will be March 16, at 1:30 pm in Room 144-S.