The Utah State Board of Education is required by new state law to establish an expert science of reading panel to guide early literacy instruction and educator preparation. Effective July 1, 2026, the panel will serve as a consultancy body to implement statewide literacy emphases and develop digital instructional resources.
Expert Panel Mandates
Under Utah Code Section 53E-3-1003, the state board must form a panel consisting of up to six experts. These members must possess a research background in the science of reading and experience translating that research into effective classroom instructional practices.
The panel is mandated to meet at least once every quarter to provide expertise on the implementation of early literacy emphases and educator preparation programs.
Digital Literacy Resources
The panel's responsibilities include providing advanced professional learning opportunities for public schools and university teacher preparation programs. In coordination with the state board, the group will work to expand statewide capacity for science of reading instruction.
A key component of the panel's work involves partnering with ULEAD to develop an online repository of digital resources. This repository is intended to be accessible to public school teachers, school leaders, parents, and faculty within educator preparation programs.
Instructional Oversight
Beyond resource development, the panel will create professional learning modules to support teachers and school leaders. Members will also coordinate with deans of education and literacy leadership fellows to advance instructional standards.
The state board may work with panel members to conduct periodic reviews of student outcome data and monitor how faithfully science of reading instruction is being implemented in public schools through onsite visits.
Governance and Compensation
The panel members will serve without compensation or benefits, though they may receive per diem and reimbursement for travel expenses as established by the Division of Finance. The state board is responsible for providing staff support to the panel.
Legislative oversight of state audits and committee structures remains managed by bodies such as the Legislative Audit Subcommittee, which includes Co-chairs Sen. J. Stuart Adams and Rep. Mike Schultz.
Legislative Origin
The science of reading provisions were amended by Chapter 154 during the 2026 General Session of the Utah Legislature.
