Missouri § 170.014 - Reading instruction act — reading programs established, essential components.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.014 — Reading instruction act — reading programs established, essential components., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 170.014. Reading instruction act — reading programs established, essential components.
1. This section shall be known as the "Reading Instruction Act" and is enacted to ensure that all public schools including charter schools establish reading programs in kindergarten through grade five based in scientific research. "Evidence-based reading instruction" includes practices that have been proven effective through evaluation of the outcomes for large numbers of students and are highly likely to be effective in improving reading if implemented with fidelity. Such programs shall include the essential components of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension, and all new teachers who teach reading in kindergarten through grade three shall receive adequate training in these areas.
2. (1) For purposes of this subsection, "three-cueing system" means any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, which may also be known as "MSV".
(2) A public school district or charter school shall provide reading instruction in accordance with the following requirements:
(a) Phonics instruction for decoding and encoding shall be the primary instructional strategy for teaching word reading;
(b) Instruction in word reading shall not rely primarily on strategies based on the three-cueing system model of reading or visual memory; and
(c) Reading instruction may include visual information and strategies that improve background and experiential knowledge, add context, and increase oral language and vocabulary to support comprehension, but such visual information and strategies shall not be used to teach word reading.
3. Every public school in the state shall offer a reading program as described in subsection 1 of this section for kindergarten through grade five.
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(L. 2002 H.B. 1711, A.L. 2022 S.B. 681 & 662, A.L. 2025 S.B. 68)
Severability clause, see § 82.293.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 170.014
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.014 cover?
Section 170.014 ("Reading instruction act — reading programs established, essential components.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 170.014?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 170.014" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 170.014 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.