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Fort Worth ISD just recorded a 6-point gain in STAAR reading scores, the strongest growth since before the pandemic. A new report from KERA and Fort Worth Report shows 37% of students in grades 3–8 are now reading at grade level—proof that targeted literacy efforts are making a difference. But a recent Star-Telegram op-ed warns: don’t let improved school ratings fool you. In every Fort Worth City Council district, more than half of students still read below grade level—especially in high-poverty areas. AGL is here to help families ask the right questions, track progress, and access the tools they need to support reading at home.

Texas released consecutive A–F ratings for 2024 and 2025, giving families a clearer read on school quality after two years of delays. In Tarrant County, Fort Worth ISD held an overall C and cut its F-rated campuses from 31 to 11, but many students are still not reading on grade level—especially in early grades—so sustained improvement this year matters. TEA Commissioner Mike Morath plans site visits to FWISD in September before deciding on possible state action later this fall. Families can review seven-year trends for any campus at TXschools.gov and use those data to ask for concrete reading supports now. Meanwhile, Northwest ISD set a Nov. 4 election on a 3¢ maintenance-and-operations rate that could raise about $12M to hire teachers, boost compensation, and reduce class sizes (e.g., 2nd grade 24→22; 3rd–4th 24→23; secondary teachers 180→172.5 students/day). Without new funds, some classes could top 36–40 students. Early voting is Oct. 20–31; the voter registration deadline is Oct. 6.

From playful learning strategies backed by research to community-led calls for change, efforts to boost reading skills are gaining momentum. This week’s stories explore how hands-on activities like games can strengthen literacy foundations, and how families in Fort Worth are rallying to ensure more students reach grade-level reading. Different approaches, one shared goal: giving every child the skills they need to succeed in school and in life.

As Fort Worth ISD adds more classroom time to help struggling readers, families can also take action at home with WordBlox—a free new game designed to boost reading confidence and vocabulary.

Fort Worth students are making their biggest reading gains in years—and a new poll shows parents across political, racial, and income lines agree: every child deserves a strong start and high-quality schools. Plus, AGL just launched WordBlox, a fun, free game that helps kids build reading skills at home. Progress is happening—and now’s the time to keep it going.

This month, we’re seeing two sides of the story: bold investments in early childhood education—and budget cuts that put literacy gains at risk. Northwest ISD is stepping up with a new center built just for pre-K learners. Meanwhile, Keller ISD’s tight budget leaves early learning and reading support on the bubble. As districts make tough calls, one thing is clear: every decision is a literacy decision.