Iowa’s test scores from the 2022-23 school year show 66% of 3rd graders are proficient in English Language Arts, including literacy. But for students from low-income families and students with disabilities, those percentages are much lower at 51% and 25%, respectively, according to K-12 Dive.
Lagging literacy rates gained traction nationally after scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress showed reading declined by 3 points for 4th and 8th graders when compared prior to the pandemic.
Literacy was also among the priority areas for the Biden administration this year in its efforts to improve student achievement, such as through the use of literacy coaches.
“When implemented well, high-dosage tutoring can reduce burdens on teachers and complement other school-based activities such as building educator capacity through the use of math and literacy coaches, which research shows can improve student achievement, and professional development to support data-driven instruction,” the administration’s 2024 education agenda said.
K-12 Dive
