AL SB168

Prohibits Alabama public K-12 schools from using the three-cueing system (MSV) or visual memory methods for teaching word reading and word recognition

Requires all reading instructional materials to use structured literacy strategies including explicit, systematic phonics instruction for decoding and encoding

Mandates the State Board of Education adopt rules requiring educator preparation programs to use evidence-based reading instruction methods, with compliance required starting the 2026-2027 school year

Allows visual information and strategies to support comprehension, vocabulary, and background knowledge, but not for teaching foundational word reading skills

Effective date: June 1, 2026