You can mandate the science of reading. (But you can't legislate the practice that makes it work.) States are rushing to pass literacy laws this year. Strong standards. Proven methods. All the right language. But here's what nobody is addressing: ➟ A law that says "use evidence-based instruction" means nothing if teachers haven't been trained in it ➟ A curriculum adoption without coaching support is just a box of books ➟ Mandating third-grade retention without funding early i