A passionate plea for increased funding and support for literacy programs took center stage during the Oregon Senate Committee on Education meeting on May 28, 2025. Educators emphasized the critical importance of early reading instruction, particularly in second grade, where foundational skills are established that can determine a child's future academic success.

One second-grade teacher highlighted the significant gains seen in literacy through explicit instruction based on the science of reading. "If students are not literate by fourth grade, they are likely to face serious challenges later in life," she warned, underscoring the urgency of addressing literacy in primary education. The teacher noted that her school, a Title 1 institution, has implemented a robust reading intervention program, providing 30 interventions each week to support struggling readers.

The discussion also touched on the need for adequate funding to maintain small class sizes, ideally between 16 to 18 students, which allows for more personalized attention and effective teaching. "The last place we should cut is funding for primary grades," she stated, stressing that larger class sizes could hinder the development of essential reading skills.

As the meeting concluded, the call for action was clear: without proper resources and support, many students risk falling behind, potentially leading to negative life outcomes. The committee's response to these urgent needs will be crucial in shaping the future of literacy education in Oregon.