FEBRUARY 2024

Senate Bill 1465 is a new bill that would make the standing K-5 Literacy Endorsement optional for kindergarten through grade 5 (K-5) teachers who provide literacy instruction; it is a current requirement that became law in 2021. The current law was supported by Education Forward Arizona and other organizations that advocate for access to excellent K-12 education and highly trained teachers regardless of zip code. Continuing to endorse high expectations and leveraging the science of literacy instruction will help move students toward the state goal of 72% of all 3^rd Grade students reading at a proficient level by 2030. 

Act now – SB1465 is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, February 7^th. Help preserve the K-5 Literacy Endorsement to reach the state’s ambitious goal for 3^rd Grade Reading. 

Education Forward Arizona strongly believes that we have everything to gain when we focus on equal access and opportunities for all students. The K-5 Literacy Endorsement gives teachers additional tools in the science of literacy so that every child in Arizona has equal access to a qualified teacher with the necessary endorsement to support success.

Please contact your State Senator or members of the Senate Education Committee today and urge them to Oppose SB1465. Sign-in to the Request to Speak system or email your Senator directly. Help ensure that all students in grades K-5 have a teacher with the knowledge and skills to reach the ambitious state goal for 3^rd Grade Reading.

Senate Education Committee:

If you are not already signed up with the Request to Speak system, we are happy to help you. Please follow this link to get registered.