Unlocking Arizona’s Potential: A Commitment to Elevate Reading Scores

Early literacy is crucial not only for education but also for Arizona’s economic future.

Recent assessments have raised concerns about Arizona’s reading scores. The 2024 National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) revealed a notable decline in fourth-grade reading scores after years of improvement. Currently, only 39% of third graders meet or exceed proficiency according to state assessments, and overall performance remains below pre-pandemic figures.

These alarming statistics have sparked concern among lawmakers, educators, and parents. However, there remains a pathway forward.

Arizona possesses essential early literacy policies that can lead to improved reading outcomes. It is now imperative for policymakers and educators to expedite the adoption of successful strategies from other states.

This month, Read On Arizona has initiated the Literacy is the Key campaign. This initiative aims to raise public awareness about the importance of early literacy and its impact on student success, emphasizing that effective, evidence-based reading instruction is critical for children.

Teachers in Arizona are diligently working to enhance reading skills, but additional support is needed. Read On Arizona has outlined four main strategies to accelerate progress in early literacy and improve third-grade reading outcomes:

• Providing educators with training in evidence-based literacy practices.
• Utilizing high-quality curricular materials.
• Equipping families with tools to foster school readiness and literacy development.
• Expanding access to quality early learning programs.

These strategies should not be viewed in isolation; they work best when implemented collectively. Successful literacy outcomes in Arizona hinge on full and effective execution at the system, state, and school levels.

Other states like Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana provide effective models for improvement. Once near the bottom in literacy, Mississippi now surpasses the national average in fourth-grade reading. Tennessee’s integration of rigorous instruction and tutoring has demonstrated significant gains in a short timeframe. Similarly, Louisiana’s ongoing commitment to high-quality instructional materials and family engagement has positioned it as the only state to raise its fourth-grade NAEP reading scores in recent years.

Some of these strategies are already part of Arizona’s 2030 literacy plan. In the next three years, all certified early grade educators will receive training in reading science and attain a K-5 Literacy Endorsement. Additionally, schools will be supported with guidance on utilizing high-quality instructional materials. A key challenge, however, remains the need for more literacy coaches, particularly in schools facing the greatest challenges.

Improving reading proficiency must also address chronic absenteeism, which can result in poor learning outcomes. During the 2023-24 school year, nearly a quarter of Arizona public school students in grades one through eight were chronically absent, an improvement from previous years but still concerning.

The Arizona Chronic Absence Task Force has set a goal to bring absenteeism down to pre-pandemic levels by 2030, with resources available in the Arizona Chronic Absence Resource Guide to facilitate this effort.

Real progress requires dedication and shared commitment. Research indicates that with proper support, over 95% of children can learn to read.

By reinforcing effective strategies, Arizona can cultivate confident readers, well-equipped for academic and life success.

Terri Clark serves as the literacy director for Read On Arizona, the state’s early literacy initiative.