Peach Tree Times

This week, Senator RaShaun Kemp from South Fulton introduced a new piece of legislation aimed at banning the use of the three-cueing system in educational materials for teaching reading. The proposed Senate Bill 93 has garnered bipartisan support and seeks to establish guidelines for curricula in state-approved educator preparation programs.

Senator Kemp expressed concerns about the three-cueing method, which uses meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues to assist students in word identification. He stated, “This method, which encourages students to guess words rather than decode them, sets our kids up for failure and contradicts the principles of the science of reading.” Kemp emphasized his personal observations of how this approach leaves many children struggling with reading skills. He added that it is crucial to provide students with all necessary tools for success.

The legislation aims to build on previous efforts made during the 2023 Legislative Session with House Bill 538, known as the "Georgia Early Literacy Act," and Senate Bill 211 that established the Georgia Council on Literacy. Kemp highlighted the importance of continuing evidence-based instruction as outlined in these bills. He expressed his intent to work collaboratively with colleagues across party lines to ensure the passage of this significant legislation.

If enacted, Georgia would join eleven other states that have already banned three-cueing. Notably, Ohio—where this method was originally developed—has also moved away from its use.

For more information on SB 93 or media inquiries regarding this legislative initiative, contact details are provided for Senator Kemp's office and Senate press inquiries.