As the 2024-2025 school year progresses, Utah’s state leaders are making one thing very clear: literacy is a top priority. From the halls of the State Capitol to local classrooms, the Governor and the State Legislature are putting a heavy emphasis on reading skills, recognizing that early literacy is the foundation for all future academic and career success. Governor Spencer Cox and state lawmakers have backed significant initiatives and funding aimed at ensuring every Utah student can read at grade level by the end of third grade. This statewide focus on "The Science of Reading" isn’t just about what happens in the classroom—it’s about empowering families to support their children’s growth at home.

Supporting the Mission: Virtual Reading Tips for Families

To align with this statewide push for literacy, Kids Read Now is offering a valuable resource for Utah families. If you are looking for simple, fun ways to make reading time at home more effective, you are invited to join their monthly Virtual Caregiver/Family Reading Tips Sessions. These sessions are specifically designed for busy families who want to help their children "level up" their skills without adding more stress to the daily routine. Participants will leave with ideas for easy reading games and activities that turn home reading into an engaging experience rather than a chore. Session Details:

• When: The 3rd Wednesday of every month through June 30, 2026.

• English Sessions: 9:00 AM or 5:30 PM Mountain Time.

• Spanish Sessions: 6:00 PM Mountain Time.

How to Join: You can register for these free sessions at Kids Read Now or by scanning the QR code in the image below.

Stay Informed on Utah’s Literacy Legislation

The push for literacy is driven by specific policy changes and investments. If you want to follow the progress of Utah’s education bills or learn more about the state's literacy strategy, here are several resources to get you started:

• Follow the Bills: Visit the Utah State Legislature website and search for "Literacy" or "Education" to see current bills being debated during the session.

• The Utah Literacy Model: Read about the Utah State Board of Education’s (USBE) Reading Clinic and their commitment to evidence-based instruction.

• Governor’s Education Agenda: Explore Governor Cox's Education Priorities to see how literacy fits into the broader plan for Utah’s future.

• Deep Dive on Literacy Funding: Check out local news coverage regarding how the state is investing millions into teacher training and student resources.

By combining the resources offered by Kids Read Now with the state's renewed focus on educational excellence, Utah parents can play a leading role in their child's journey toward becoming a confident, lifelong reader.