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Fort Worth ISD to unveil plan to increase grade-level reading rates

This week, Fort Worth ISD and the City of Fort Worth will unveil a plan aimed at getting all students to read at grade level, addressing the alarming statistic that two-thirds of Fort Worth students are not meeting this standard. While other districts like Dallas and Houston have made progress in improving reading scores, Fort Worth’s have remained stagnant. Earlier this school year, Mayor Mattie Parker called for significant changes in a letter to the school board, which was followed by the superintendent stepping down. The district has since been developing an improvement plan, which will be presented at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon at the administration building.

It’s the kids who can’t read, not the teachers

The U.S. is facing a major literacy crisis—only 1 in 3 fourth graders can read proficiently. While some debates focus on requiring teachers to pass standardized tests like Praxis Core, the bigger issue is helping students read. Attracting competent teachers is essential, and reducing barriers like high fees and complex licensing requirements can help bring more educators into the field.

If children can’t read by third grade, they face challenges in all subjects and future opportunities. Illinois has introduced a "Comprehensive Literacy Plan" to improve skills like phonics and comprehension, but it lacks enforceable mandates to ensure consistent implementation. The focus needs to stay on students and improving their reading skills to address this crisis.

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