Governor signs literacy bill into law as advocates celebrate perseverance
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Supporters of Senate File 59, “K-12 language and literacy program,” look on as Gov. Mark Gordon signs the bill into law Friday in his ceremonial room. The program is designed to ensure all Wyoming students in grades K-12 receive evidence-based reading instruction, along with early screeners, multi-tiered systems of support and interventions and individual reading plans for struggling readers.
Carrie Haderlie/Wyoming Tribune Eagle
CHEYENNE (WyomingNews.com) — Surrounded by advocates, parents and children, Gov. Mark Gordon signed the state’s new literacy plan into law Friday afternoon.
Gordon signed Senate Enrolled Act 43, “K-12 Language and Literacy Program,” which is designed to ensure all Wyoming students receive evidence-based reading instruction, along with early screeners, multi-tiered systems of support and interventions and individual reading plans for struggling readers.
State Superintendent of Public Instruction Megan Degenfelder said the day was “tremendously exciting” and the culmination of an effort years in the making.
“I am proud to say we got the job done, and it was because of so many people that were part of the process,” she said. “Today, the signal is that Wyoming is not going to let a single child fall through the cracks.”
Rep. Landon Brown, R-Cheyenne, said the bill being passed, applying to all students K-12, means that every student matters.
“We owe it to them, we owe it to their families, we owe it to every single taxpayer that has been paying for our education system. We owe it to them that they can read when they leave high school,” Brown said.
Currently, reading, screening and intervention programs require school districts to implement literacy programs for students in kindergarten through third grade, Gordon said.
“This act repeals existing law, creating the Wyoming language and literacy program … that requires districts to implement literacy plans that serve students in kindergarten through grade 12,” Gordon said.
Literacy plans must identify students with reading difficulties, use universal and dyslexia screeners, diagnostic assessments and deliver evidence-based language and literacy instruction.The act also requires districts with 60% or more students reading below grade level proficiency to offer summer literacy camps or extended support programs.
The act also requires the Wyoming Department of Education to establish a literacy division to administer the program, as well as to identify universal and dyslexia assessments, evidence-based instruction and instructional materials in state rules. This act also requires the department to establish professional development requirements related to literacy instruction.
Before the bill signing, Annie McGlothlin, co-founder of WYO Right to Read, said the law represents a win for families and children, particularly those who struggle with dyslexia.
“We are all looking at this cautiously optimistic to make sure that the bill, as it is written, is actually implemented, not only the evidence-based programs that are necessary, but equally important is the teacher training,” she said. “If the bill is implemented as is intended, then families who have children with dyslexia have a little more leverage. There is federal law, but this adds an extra layer of protection for families.”
The process had been stressful for many families, but they persevered, she said.
“They persevered, because we love our kids,” McGlothlin said.
Chandel Pine, founded Paul’s Mountain-Advocacy for Literacy in memory of her son, Paul, who died by suicide at Carpenter Elementary School in 2023. Pine established her nonprofit to help children who struggle to read.
“I didn’t think this was going to happen, with it being a budget year. But when the LSO number was Paul’s birthday, I was like, maybe God has this in his path,” Pine told the WTE. “He wants us to climb Paul’s mountain. I’m grateful that all the legislators listened to what the children need. This is for the kids, and adults need to do what is best for them.”
Surrounded by children, Gordon said the act will go into effect July 1.
“What are we going to do before then?” Gordon asked.
“Read!” several children replied.
Governor signs literacy bill into law as advocates celebrate perseverance
Carrie Haderlie Wyoming Tribune Eagle | Mar 6, 2026 Updated Mar 10, 2026 | News | wyomingnews.com
