Oregon Lawmakers Unite to Fund Summer Reading Programs for Struggling Students with New House Bill

House Bill 2007, legislation seeking to expand access to summer literacy programs, especially for students reading below grade level, was unanimously passed in the Oregon House of Representatives.

Oregon Summer Literacy Program Additional Funding For Learners Who Read Below Grade Level

Oregon House Bill 2007 will make grants available to school districts, public charter schools, education service districts, and federally recognized tribes to offer summer reading programs through the Department of Education (ODE).

The department will prioritize funding for programs serving students with the lowest reading proficiency and those in underserved areas.

To meet the needs of Oregon students, the programs to be funded will combine structured literacy instruction with culturally responsive practices and enrichment activities.

Senators from both sides of the political divide have been vocal about getting kids back on track. They said that passing HB 2007 means that state spending goes to the students who need it the most, and children benefit from programs proven to have the most significant impact.

House Bill 2007 includes:

• Accountability measures to ensure program effectiveness,
• Detailed reporting on student progress and demographics,
• Caps on administrative spending, and
• Flexibility for key expenses like curriculum, instructional staff, transportation, and meals.

The bill is expected to ensure schools use proven strategies to help Oregonian children while effectively and efficiently using public dollars. It will take effect immediately upon passage and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

This means school districts can start planning for summer 2025 programming.