The Utah School Superintendents Association (USSA) is proud to support SB241: Early Literacy, sponsored by Senator Ann Millner and Representative Karen Peterson. This important legislation represents a comprehensive, research-based approach to improving literacy outcomes for Utah students in kindergarten through third grade.
Strong literacy skills are foundational to student success, and SB241 provides clear statewide goals, evidence-based instructional strategies, enhanced educator preparation, and targeted student support to help ensure every child becomes a confident reader.
A Bold Goal for Utah Students
SB241 establishes an ambitious statewide goal: 80% of Utah third-grade students reading on grade level by 2030. This measurable target reflects Utah’s commitment to early academic success and long-term student achievement.
Personalized Student Support
The bill ensures that students who struggle with reading receive individualized reading plans based on benchmark assessments. These plans provide targeted interventions, regular progress monitoring, and strong parent communication — allowing educators to address reading challenges early and effectively.
Investing in Educators and Instruction
SB241 strengthens teacher preparation and professional learning by emphasizing the science of reading, ensuring educators are trained in proven literacy practices. The legislation also creates statewide collaboration between the State Board of Education, higher education institutions, and literacy experts to improve teacher training and classroom instruction.
Expanding Support Systems for Students
The bill dedicates resources for literacy coaching, paraprofessional support, and intervention programs, helping schools build capacity to support struggling readers. SB241 also prioritizes evidence-based instruction and removes instructional practices that lack strong research support.
A Collaborative Statewide Effort
USSA appreciates that SB241 promotes collaboration between local education agencies, regional service agencies, higher education, and state leadership. By aligning literacy strategies statewide while allowing local implementation, the bill supports consistent, high-quality instruction while maintaining local flexibility.
USSA believes SB241 reflects Utah’s commitment to student success and recognizes that early literacy is one of the most important investments we can make in our students, workforce, and communities.