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.
Read moreTexas 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.
Read moreFrom 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.
Read moreAs 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.
Read moreFort 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.
Read moreThis 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.
Read moreReading Crisis Persists, But Fort Worth Pushes Forward on Literacy
The latest STAAR results show nearly half of Texas students in grades 3–8 still aren't reading at grade level, with literacy recovery dragging behind other subjects. In Fort Worth ISD, only 37% of third graders are on track, prompting a major overhaul of the district’s dyslexia support model—including new programs like Take Flight and Bridges aimed at closing gaps. Meanwhile, AGL is keeping momentum alive with its summer reading list and a timeline showcasing Fort Worth’s growing citywide commitment to literacy.
Read moreFrom otters and vampires to the Olympics and space cats, this year’s summer picks are unforgettable. Discover fan favorites like The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza, Swim Team, and Ain’t Burned All the Bright—just a few of the bold, high-interest titles in our 2025 Summer Reading Kit.
Curated book lists by grade level, reading tips, and everything you need to make reading magical this summer.
Grades K–2
Build confidence, joy, and curiosity with these fresh picks for early readers:
• Simone – a sweet graphic story about discovery
• A Seed Grows – simple, beautiful nonfiction
• Bear Has a Belly – a fun body-positive read
• I’m From – explores identity with poetic visuals
• Tiny Jumper – the story of a trailblazing athlete
• Love Made Me More – about love, growth & change
• Night Lunch – dreamy and cozy bedtime tale
Grades 3–5
Adventure, animals, and imagination — these will keep upper elementary readers turning pages:
• Dogtown – stray dogs, found family
• Ernö Rubik and His Magic Cube – inventor spotlight
• Haiku, Ew! – gross nature + poetry = fun
• Freestyle – dance battles and friendship
• Garlic and the Vampire – brave veggies unite!
• Odder – based on a true otter tale
• The First Cat in Space Ate Pizza – wild graphic fun
Grades 6–8
Perfect for middle schoolers craving humor, suspense, or something real:
• Louder Than Hunger – powerful, poetic & raw
• Ultraviolet – sci-fi mystery with big heart
• Invisible – bilingual graphic novel about belonging
• Swim Team – new school, new sport, new friends
• The Tryout – middle school meets cheer tryouts
• Just Roll With It – a story of OCD & courage
• Enemies – navigating middle school drama
Grades 9–12
Bold, visual, and thought-provoking picks for teens:
• Run on Your New Legs – sports & resilience
• Long Distance – aliens + identity crisis
• Yummy – a hard-hitting look at youth & violence
• Victory. Stand! – Olympic protest memoir
• The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea – fantasy reimagined
• Ain’t Burned All the Bright – stunning visual narrative
• The Weight of Blood – eerie and unforgettable
Reading scores are rising across grades 3–8, with FWISD surpassing its literacy goal by 4 percentage points. This early progress is a sign that focused action—like curriculum changes, phonics programs, and increased student support—is working.
But we’re not stopping here.
Use the tool below to explore how your school district is performing on the latest STAAR assessments—and what it means for your child’s learning journey.
Answer
Mansfield ISD had 61% of students reading on grade level in Spring 2025.
(2024 score: 60%)
Answer
In 2025, only 24% of students in Lake Worth ISD were reading on grade level.
(2024 score: 21%)
Answer
Kennedale ISD reported a 46% reading at grade level in 2025.
(2024 score: 49%)
Answer
Keller ISD had 63% of students reading on grade level this year.
(2024 score: 64%)
Answer
62% of students were reading at grade level in 2025 in HEB ISD.
(2024 score: 64%)
Answer
White Settlement ISD had 50% of students reading at grade level in 2025.
(2024 score: 47%)
Answer
In 2025, 72% of students in Grapevine-Colleyville ISD were reading on grade level.
(2024 score: 71%)
Answer
Everman ISD had 39% of students reading at grade level in 2025.
(2024 score: 35%)
Answer
Crowley ISD had 40% of students reading on grade level in Spring 2025.
(2024 score: 46%)
Answer
In 2025, 45% of Castleberry ISD students were reading on grade level.
(2024 score: 46%)
Sofia Mcguire 38PTS