What does the Research say?
- Third-Grade Reading Proficiency is the number one predictor of high school graduation – Students who are not proficient readers by third grade are at a significantly higher risk of dropping out of high school. Literacy is the cornerstone of all other learning, and early struggles with reading often lead to later academic challenges. Students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities are particularly vulnerable, so early identification and intervention are critical.
- Learning to read is not just an educational milestone—it’s a fundamental civil right. When students are unable to read at grade level by the time they reach third grade, they are at greater risk of facing a lifetime of challenges, including higher rates of incarceration, poverty, school dropout, and persistent academic struggles.
- In 2019, only 18% of Black students and 23% of Hispanic students scored at or above the proficient reading level, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). Ensuring that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality reading instruction is essential for leveling the playing field and promoting equity in education. Reading proficiency is a key to unlocking future opportunities and is integral to the pursuit of equal rights and social justice.
- Too many students are falling behind. Children who are behind in reading by the end of third grade face a slim chance of catching up, with only a 1 in 8 likelihood of recovering, and they are four times more likely to drop out of school (Casey, 2010).
- Achieving success in reading boosts a child’s confidence and sense of self-worth. Mastering the skill of reading not only enhances a student’s self-esteem but also fuels their motivation for both personal growth and academic achievement.
Annie E. Casey Foundation. (2010). Early Warning! Why Reading by the End of Third Grade Matters.
Center for American Progress. (2012). Early Warning Confirmed: A Research Update on Third-Grade Reading.
National Early Literacy Panel. (2008). Developing Early Literacy: Report of the National Early Literacy Panel.