Only 39% of Arizona 3rd graders read at grade level. New literacy plan aims to change that

Fewer than half of Arizona’s third graders are reading at grade level — a sobering trend that education leaders hope to reverse with a new statewide literacy plan.

Read On Arizona, an early literacy initiative, has launched the Arizona Literacy Plan 2030, a five-year roadmap aimed at improving reading outcomes for young learners.

The plan sets a goal of 72% reading proficiency by the end of third grade — a major jump from the state’s current 39%. 

The initiative comes in response to years of stagnant scores, worsened by the pandemic, which disrupted learning during critical early literacy years.

Education leaders say it’s time for a more unified, evidence-based approach to helping kids learn to read.

“What the science says is possible … 95% or more of children can learn to read,” said Terri Clark, Read On Arizona’s literacy director. “But there’s a but, and the but is that’s with the right support and services as early as possible.”

To reach its goals, the plan outlines several key strategies, including expanding the number of literacy coaches in Arizona classrooms, increasing access to high-quality instructional materials, reducing chronic absenteeism, and investing in early childhood education programs.

Clark says what makes this plan different is its focus on action — not just awareness.

“We’re trying to move away from literacy being a priority for Arizona just in talking points,” she said. “We’re really looking for literacy to be a priority for Arizona in action.”

The plan has drawn commitments from local school districts, state education agencies and nonprofits, all pledging to implement proven strategies over the next five years.

Whether Arizona can meet its ambitious goal remains to be seen, but Clark says coordinated, data-driven action is the only path forward.