1/30/25 ReadRise newsletter

January 30, 2025

FEATURED NEWS

American Kids Are Getting Even Worse at Reading

 

The latest national test scores reveal a worsening literacy crisis among American students. According to the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress, reading proficiency among fourth and eighth graders has continued to decline, reaching some of the lowest levels since testing began in 1992.

  • Only 60% of fourth-graders and 67% of eighth-graders scored at a basic or better reading level.
  • The decline began before the pandemic and has persisted despite renewed attention on phonics-based instruction.
  • Experts warn that poor reading skills are linked to lower graduation rates, reduced economic opportunities, and higher incarceration rates.

Some states, like Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Washington, D.C., have seen progress by prioritizing structured literacy approaches. However, nationwide efforts have yet to show widespread improvement.

The results reinforce the urgent need to prioritize literacy instruction, invest in early reading interventions, and support evidence-based teaching methods.

📖 Reading is the foundation for success. Let’s work together to turn the page on this crisis.

Read more here
 
 

Fort Worth ISD plans to raise student achievement, close gaps by 2029. Here’s how

 

Fort Worth ISD has approved a new strategic plan aimed at transforming student achievement, closing literacy gaps, and increasing family engagement by 2029.

Key goals include:

  • Raising third-grade reading and math proficiency by nearly 20 percentage points.
  • Eliminating failing schools and ensuring no student falls through the cracks.
  • Investing in teacher training and mentorship to improve classroom instruction.
  • Strengthening parent engagement through tools like the Parent Portal and community events.

At the heart of this plan is literacy. Currently, only 32% of third graders read at grade level, and the district aims to increase this to at least 50% by 2029. To achieve this, FWISD is committing to high-quality instructional materials, teacher training, and data-driven strategies.

Beyond academics, the plan also addresses infrastructure needs, ensuring schools have the resources to support student learning for generations to come.

This ambitious plan signals a long-term commitment to student success and will serve as a guiding framework for every decision FWISD makes moving forward. 📚

Read more here
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ICYMI: Fort Worth ISD calls for urgent action on a literacy crisis impacting education, poverty, and crime. With 2 in 3 students below grade level in reading, a new resolution aims to spark countywide change. Leaders say it’s time for a collective effort to break cycles of illiteracy and build a stronger community.