Updated 2025
State Information
The purpose of this document is to capture state-by-state information of policy and guidelines related to the science of reading / evidence-based reading instruction to be presented on The Reading League Compass, a website of reliable and reputable guidance and resources for targeted stakeholder groups.
Details
Local control?
Yes
Has your state passed legislation and/or non-legislated rule changes related to the Science of Reading?
Does your state have an approved curriculum list?
Yes.
The Right to Read Act, amended by the Arkansas Legislature in 2019, requires “curriculum programs that are supported by the science of reading and based on instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic, including without limitation: (1) dyslexia programs that are evidence based and aligned to structured literacy or grounded in the Orton-Gillingham methodology, (2) evidence-based reading intervention programs, and (3) evidence-based reading programs that are grounded in the science of reading.” Pursuant to Ark. Code Ann. § 6-17-429(f), the Arkansas Division of Elementary and Secondary Education shall identify and create a list of approved materials, resources, and curriculum programs for public school districts and open-enrollment public charter schools that are supported by the science of reading and based on instruction that is explicit, systematic, cumulative, and diagnostic, including dyslexia programs, evidence-based reading intervention programs, etc.
All programs on the lists linked below are considered approved programs.
Was evidence-aligned reading instruction a consideration for the curriculum review?
Yes.
The DESE partners with EdReports to review any new curriculum program and have codified their rubric to align with our expectations. Any program that meets expectations for 3-12 goes on our Arkansas list.
For K-2 Foundational programs, an additional review is conducted in house before going on our list. The additional rubric is attached.
All programs on the lists linked below are considered approved programs.
Please describe any other instructional-materials work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
These tools are used by principals to look for evidence of the science of reading in classrooms.
Does your state mandate or provide guidance on early screening?
Beginning in the 2024-2025 school year, Arkansas is transitioning to a new statewide assessment system for Kindergarten through Third Grade students.
This new assessment system will include a beginning-of-year screener to identify areas in literacy and math where each student may benefit from additional support and provide educators with the information necessary to help them grow.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to MTSS that incorporates information on the science of reading and/or evidence-based literacy practices?
Screening is required K-12 through the LEARNS Act for all students. Students that are identified as “at risk” are to be provided with intervention and progress monitored across the school year.
Does your state have policy or guidance related to instruction and/or professional development?
Does your state have state-developed guidance documents or training courses related to the science of reading?
Please describe any grant work that names the science of reading and/or evidence-aligned instruction including links, where applicable
Has your state reviewed standards for alignment to the science of reading?
Yes. Our standards were updated in April of 2023. Here is a link to the side-by-side K-5 ELA standards
Please describe any other standards work related to the science of reading with links, where applicable
Documents were developed to support standards ( Teacher Notes) standards for Strategic Reading courses and Academic Reading (supporting dyslexia) were also developed.
Does your state have guidance or resources for families related to the science of reading?
Yes.
Do you have policy or guidance regarding how to leverage evidence-based practices to support secondary students?
We recommend districts adopt High-Quality Instructional Materials.
Interactive State Map
Use the interactive state map to find descriptions of state-level policy adoption, guidance, and practices related to the science of reading. State policy may include legislation incorporating training or practices related to the science of reading or state education agency guidance regarding policy, professional development, curricula, instruction, or assessment.
The Reading League expresses gratitude to our collaborators and associates within the state education agencies for sharing their state-specific data. This data will undergo semi-annual updates, contingent upon the availability and resources of the respective state agencies. For any inquiries, clarifications, or updates, please reach out to compass@thereadingleague.org.