Recapping Significant Reading Progress Made by Alabama Third Graders
You’ve probably seen some of the news already. Alabama third graders have made strong progress in reading. This year, the percentage of Alabama third graders reading below grade level has dropped to 9%, a significant improvement from 17% last year. This achievement reflects the growing impact of Alabama’s commitment to ensuring every child reads on grade level. This is an important milestone to be celebrated as we continue to push for more progress.
Our state’s reading progress can be credited to the funding and implementation of the Alabama Literacy Act. The Alabama Literacy Act emphasizes early literacy’s critical role in a child’s academic journey. The comprehensive supports provided by the law include training for every K-3 teacher in the science of reading, reading coaches in every K-3 school, curriculum aligned to the science of reading, assessments to identify struggling readers early, and intervention programs to catch them up. Annual state funding is now $143 million. With the implementation of this act, educators, parents, and policymakers are working together to create a strong foundation for Alabama’s students.
This law, designed to ensure every child can read on grade level by the end of third grade, has introduced a last-resort retention provision this year. Under this provision, 3rd graders who do not make a sufficient score on the ACAP assessment may be retained for a year to get additional support before advancing to 4th grade. These struggling readers are also given the opportunity to attend summer reading camps, take a second reading test, and complete a student reading portfolio to show that they are able to advance to the fourth grade.
A+ President Mark Dixon was recently featured on APT’s Capitol Journal to discuss the progress made by Alabama’s third graders. During the discussion, he emphasized the significance of early literacy and the efforts being made to support young readers. He highlighted the collaborative approach taken by schools, communities, and the state to ensure every child has an opportunity to succeed.
For more information on the Alabama Literacy Act and the state’s efforts to support early literacy, visit the A+ Policy Portal. As we celebrate these improvements, let’s continue to support and encourage our young readers, ensuring every child in Alabama has the chance to achieve their full potential.
Local communities have seen significant improvements in reading:
Tuscaloosa City Schools Proud of 90% Literacy Rate for Third Graders
(written by Jalen Price, WVUA 23, May 22)
Butler County Children Realize Fruit of Reading Efforts
(written by staff, The Greenville Advocate, May 21)
Reading Scores for Birmingham Students Dramatically Rise: ACAP
(written by Maddie McQueen, CBS 42, May 17)
Reading Scores Improve for Black Belt Third Graders
(written by Brad Fisher, Black Belt News Network, June 29)
Superintendents Credit Intervention, Tutoring for Higher Third Grade Reading Scores
(written by Wes Tomlinson, Decatur Daily, June 29)
Alabama Students Performing ‘Remarkably Better’ on Reading Proficiency, New Report Shows
(written by Alexander Willis, Alabama Daily News, June 16)
91% of Alabama’s Third Graders Reading at or Above Grade Level
(written by Taylor Pollock, WBRC 6, May 17)
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