STATE FUNDING GUIDE

Washington

Washington does not have a single branded literacy act; its current framework is ESHB 1295 (2025-26 session), which requires every district to run an evidence-based K-4 comprehensive literacy program, screen K-2 students for below-grade-level literacy and indicators of dyslexia, and provide evidence-based multisensory structured literacy interventions within MTSS. ESHB 1295 carried no new appropriation, so the practical funding vehicle for Tier 2/3 reading intervention is the state Learning Assistance Program (LAP), a formula-driven state allocation for students not yet meeting standard, with a statutory priority on K-4 reading. LAP-funded interventions are expected to come from OSPI’s Menus of Best Practices unless the district documents an alternative evidence-based approach.

ESHB 1295 (2026) comprehensive K-4 literacy program requirement; Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

How schools fund reading intervention in Washington

The state-level programs below are the streams Washington districts most often use for evidence-based reading intervention purchases, alongside the federal streams available everywhere.

Learning Assistance Program (LAP)

Districts receive LAP allocations through the state funding formula (base plus high-poverty allocations) and use them for supplemental Tier 2/3 academic supports, including intervention instruction, associated materials, PD, and K-2 literacy/dyslexia screening tools; K-4 students below grade level in reading are a statutory priority.

ESHB 1295 comprehensive literacy program mandate (2026)

A requirement rather than a funding stream — no appropriation was attached — so districts typically fund the required evidence-based K-4 literacy interventions through LAP, Title I, and IDEA; it strengthens the case for purchasing evidence-based structured literacy interventions.

Approved-list note: Washington has no state-approved curriculum list; LAP-funded interventions should align with OSPI’s English Language Arts Menu of Best Practices and Strategies, with off-menu choices requiring local evidence justification.

Official state resource →