Louisiana K-3 students improve reading skills, LDOE reports

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Literacy screener results show that Louisiana students in grades K-3 have improved reading during the school year.

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) said end-of-year results showed a 17-point increase in the percentage of students reading on or above grade level. This was the second year that students K-3 were required to complete literacy screeners.

“Strong teachers, sound policy, and strategic investments have resulted in historic education outcomes for Louisiana,” said Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley. “We’re proud of the progress, but far from satisfied. I’m pleased with the work of teachers in partnership with parents to prompt this growth.”

Results show growth:

• Kindergarten: 33-point growth
• First grade: 19-point growth
• Second grade: 11-point growth
• Third grade: eight-point growth

Literacy plan for Louisiana schools

Louisiana education leaders credit students’ reading improvement to its literacy plan using phonics, high-dosage tutoring, and parent engagement efforts.

All public schools are required to complete literacy screeners for K-3. A policy requiring third graders to meet promotion requirements is used to identify students who need more reading help. LDOE said students have three chances to show their reading proficiency by scoring above the lowest achievement level.

Louisiana joined Arkansas and North Carolina in states taking action on all 18 of ExcelinEd’s principles in a national comparison of comprehensive early literacy policy released in 2024.

LDOE announced in February that the state ranked first in reading recovery from 2019 to 2024 on the Education Recovery Scorecard. According to a news release, an analysis found that pandemic relief contributed to academic recovery, specifically when directed to summer learning and tutoring. The state received $4 billion for K-12 schools.

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