Kentucky House approves bill to phase out 'three‑cueing' and require science‑based reading instruction

The Kentucky House of Representatives on Feb. 12 passed House Bill 253 (as amended), a follow‑up to 2022's Read to Succeed legislation that aims to standardize early literacy instruction around the so‑called science of reading and phase out the '3‑cueing' system in classrooms.

Sponsor and the gentleman from Spencer told the House the bill removes a system shown to be detrimental to reading and directs the establishment of an approved list of scientifically researched, evidence‑based curricula and interventions. The bill also directs post‑secondary teacher preparation programs to teach the science of reading rather than the 3‑cueing approach and requires the Department of Education to provide professional learning for teachers.

Supporters cited research and a letter from the Pritchard Committee endorsing the approach. The sponsor told members the change will bring consistency and quality to early literacy across the commonwealth and noted that of about "19,000 early education teachers in Kentucky," roughly "7,000 of them to this point have completed the letter system," a multiyear intensive program referenced on the House floor.

Representative Sherry Knoz (Jefferson 32) and other members spoke in support, emphasizing classroom time and the need to use research‑based strategies to help struggling readers.

The House adopted House Committee Substitute 1 for HB 253 and then voted to pass the bill as amended. The Clerk recorded the roll call as "94 members voting aye, 1 member voting nay," and announced that the bill "as amended is passed." The sponsor later moved to reconsider and lay that motion on the table; the motion to lay on the table was ordered without objection.

Next steps: HB 253 will move to the Senate for consideration under the regular legislative process.