This week, Sen. RaShaun Kemp (D–South Fulton) introduced legislation that would ban schools from using the three-cueing system in educational materials for teaching reading.
The three-cueing method relies on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues to help students identify words. Senate Bill 93, which has bipartisan support, would also establish rules for curricula in state-approved educator preparation programs.
“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,” said Sen. Kemp. “I’ve seen firsthand how this flawed approach leaves too many children struggling to read. It’s well past time we give them all the tools they need to succeed.”
Sen. Kemp added, “This legislation will build on two critical bills passed during the 2023 Legislative Session: House Bill 538, or the “Georgia Early Literacy Act,” and Senate Bill 211, which established the Georgia Council on Literacy. It is essential that our children continue to receive instruction based on evidence-based principles, as outlined in these bills. I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues across the aisle to ensure this vital legislation is passed.”
If passed, Georgia would join 11 other states that have banned three-cueing, including Ohio, where the method was originally developed and widely used.
SB 93 can be found here.
Sen. RaShaun Kemp represents the 38th Senate District, which includes a portion of Fulton County. He may be reached by phone at (404) 656-0105 or by email at rashaun.kemp@senate.ga.gov.
