On January 12, 2026, MCIU participated in a Senate Majority Policy Committee hearing hosted by Senator Tracy Pennycuick, centered on strengthening student reading outcomes amid Pennsylvania’s ongoing literacy crisis. Speaking on behalf of the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit, Dr. Donna Gaffney, MCIU’s Director of Organizational and Professional Learning, shared insights on how Intermediate Unit–led initiatives are improving reading outcomes for students across the commonwealth.
Dr. Gaffney’s testimony focused on the importance of early learning, structured literacy, the science of reading, and sustained professional learning for educators. She highlighted how Intermediate Units serve as a vital connecting thread between research and classroom practice, ensuring evidence-based literacy instruction reaches all students—particularly those with additional learning needs—explaining that:
“Intermediate Units are designed to be the scalable bridge that translates research into classroom practice—coherently, quickly, and equitably. We help districts implement what the research requires, and it goes far beyond training teachers to deliver explicit, systematic instruction in literacy.”
She also underscored the need for continued investment in early childhood programs, professional development, and MTSS (Multi-Tiered System of Supports)–aligned services to give every child the foundation they need to become confident, proficient readers.
Speaking to the importance of the hearing, Senator Pennycuick noted, “There are few things more important in a young person’s life than learning to read.” She added, “We know students who fall behind in reading are less likely to be successful in almost every subject area. That’s why establishing structured reading instruction is critical to the growth and education of our kids.”
A sincere thank you to Dr. Donna Gaffney for her testimony, and to Senator Pennycuick for her continued focus on strengthening literacy outcomes across Pennsylvania.
