◼ Repeal third-grade reading retention, shifting focus from punishing students who under-perform on standardized tests to supporting their individual literacy needs.

◼ Invest proper resources for PreK-3 reading intervention (such as “individual reading plans”), provide educators with professional latitude for assessments, and develop consistent post-fourth-grade literacy supports to help students get the support they need.

◼ Implement supplemental post-pandemic academic support, like district-based tutoring programs, class size reductions and other interventions to drive extra resources to students who need more help.

In the words of MEA Members:

“I am concerned about the 3rd grade reading bill, which seems to punish students by holding them back in school rather than support them in intensive reading intervention. More money is needed for all schools to hire more professionals to provide intensive reading intervention for at risk students, as well as additional teachers to have smaller class sizes.”
Mary Thomas, Watervilet

NOTE: MEA members have been sharing thoughts about legislative priorities through the MEA Legislation Commission’s input process — you can still share your thoughts at mea.org/legislative-input-form.

Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023:
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Student Academic Support
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Evaluation & Testing
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Collective Bargaining & Job Security Rights
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Educator Compensation
◼ Key MEA Legislative Priorities for 2023: Public Education Funding