Improving America’s Literacy Act
Latest action (23 Jul 2026): Introduced
What this bill does
The Improving America's Literacy Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reshape how federal literacy funding may be used. It would prohibit the use of "three-cueing" reading instruction—an approach relying on context, pictures, or visual memory rather than phonics—in programs funded through Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants and School Improvement grants. It would require that literacy activities funded under these programs be evidence-based and focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bill also changes grant administration rules, capping Comprehensive Literacy grants at five years with a possible two-year renewal, adding annual federal reviews and public reporting, and tying renewal to demonstrated progress or documented literacy deficiencies.
The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies that receive these federal literacy grants, as well as the Department of Education, which would conduct oversight and reporting. It also directs the Institute of Education Sciences to research and report to Congress within five years on strategies linked to literacy improvement. The bill specifies it does not alter rights under disability education laws or give federal officials authority to dictate specific curricula or instructional content.
Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz with Senator Brian Schatz as a cosponsor on July 23, 2026, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This bill is in the first stage of the legislative process. It was introduced into Congress on July 23, 2026. It will typically be considered by committee next before it is possibly sent on to the House or Senate as a whole.
Common questions
- What does S. 5110 do?
- The Improving America's Literacy Act would amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to reshape how federal literacy funding may be used. It would prohibit the use of "three-cueing" reading instruction—an approach relying on context, pictures, or visual memory rather than phonics—in programs funded through Comprehensive Literacy State Development grants and School Improvement grants. It would require that literacy activities funded under these programs be evidence-based and focus on phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. The bill also changes grant administration rules, capping Comprehensive Literacy grants at five years with a possible two-year renewal, adding annual federal reviews and public reporting, and tying renewal to demonstrated progress or documented literacy deficiencies. The bill primarily affects state and local educational agencies that receive these federal literacy grants, as well as the Department of Education, which would conduct oversight and reporting. It also directs the Institute of Education Sciences to research and report to Congress within five years on strategies linked to literacy improvement. The bill specifies it does not alter rights under disability education laws or give federal officials authority to dictate specific curricula or instructional content. Introduced by Senator Ted Cruz with Senator Brian Schatz as a cosponsor on July 23, 2026, the bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. It has not yet received a committee vote, floor vote, or further action.
- Has S. 5110 become law?
- Not yet. As of 23 Jul 2026, S. 5110 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S. 5110?
- S. 5110 was sponsored by Sen. Ted Cruz [R-TX] (Republican-TX), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 5110?
- Introduced (23 Jul 2026).
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