08: From Policy to Practice: Understanding Pennsylvania’s Literacy Legislation and Impact on Schools

As Pennsylvania advances its statewide commitment to evidence-based literacy instruction, recent legislation—including Act 135 and Act 47— provides a clear framework for how schools will implement Structured Literacy through professional learning, universal screeners, high quality instructional materials, and intervention supports. This session will offer a concise overview of current and forthcoming state requirements, highlight the support offered by PDE and its partners, and clarify what LEAs, educators, and literacy leaders can expect as implementation progresses. Participants will gain an understanding of how policy translates into classroom practice, how PDE is coordinating resources and guidance across the Commonwealth, and how these efforts contribute to a coherent and sustainable statewide literacy system. Designed for a broad literacy audience, this session provides the information needed to navigate Pennsylvania’s evolving literacy landscape and to ensure strong, evidence aligned instruction for students across the Commonwealth. Grades K - 3 Objectives: Participants will be able to: Identify the key components of Act 135 and Act 47 and accurately describe how each piece of legislation informs Pennsylvania’s statewide Structured Literacy framework. Explain the current and forthcoming state requirements related to professional learning, universal screeners, instructional materials, and intervention supports, as outlined by PDE. List at least 6 supports, resources, and guidance PDE and its partners provide to LEAs and educators, and describe how these efforts contribute to a coherent statewide literacy system. Visit our website at http://www.pattan.net Session materials: • 08_Bacher-Wicht_From-Policy-to-Practice-Understanding-Pennsylvanias-Literacy_Handout.pdf https://pattan-live.s3.amazonaws.com/... • 08_Bacher_From-Policy-to-Practice-Understanding-Pennsylvanias-Literacy_Handout.pdf https://pattan-live.s3.amazonaws.com/... • 08_Bacher_From-Policy-to-Practice-Understanding-Pennsylvanias-Literacy_PPT.pdf https://pattan-live.s3.amazonaws.com/...