S. 3365: Right to Read Act of 2025

The Right to Read Act of 2025 is legislation aimed at ensuring that all students in schools have access to effective reading instruction and resources. Here are the main components of the bill:

Definitions and Terms

• Effective School Library: Defines what constitutes an effective school library, which includes being staffed by a certified school librarian, having adequate resources, and facilitating collaboration between teachers and librarians.
• Right to Read: Establishes that students have the right to access appropriate reading instruction, effective school libraries, family literacy support, diverse materials, reading materials at home, and the freedom to choose their reading materials.
• Information Literacy: Introduces the concept of information literacy as the skills needed to effectively use various types of information sources.

State and Local Educational Agency Plans

• Amends existing laws to require state education agencies to develop plans that include how they will ensure all students, especially from underserved backgrounds, have access to effective school libraries.
• Local educational agencies must detail their support for effective libraries in their planning and reporting processes.

Funding and Appropriations

• Authorizes significant funding for grants to improve literacy outcomes and support effective school libraries.
• Ensures that a portion of state education funding is allocated to assistance for schools seeking to develop or improve library services.

Data Collection and Reporting

• Mandates the collection of data about school libraries, including their staffing, facilities, and resources.
• Requires reports to Congress on the status of school libraries every two years.

Liability Protections

• Provides legal protections for educators and staff regarding decisions made in alignment with policies related to the right to read.

Protecting Students' Constitutional Rights

• Affirms that school libraries must protect students' First Amendment rights, ensuring access to a variety of materials and information without political bias or censorship.

Implementation and Collaboration

• Encourages collaboration between librarians, teachers, and school leaders in providing effective reading and literacy instruction.
• Recommends the development of programs that enhance digital literacy and information literacy skills.

Teacher and Librarian Roles

• Specifies that the term "teacher" encompasses school librarians, thus recognizing their critical role in education.

Relevant Companies

• None found.