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Arizona's Literacy Push Gains Ground, But 2030 Reading Goal Still a Long Way Off
Arizona's literacy initiative has boosted the number of reading coaches and endorsed educators, but the state's third-grade reading proficiency rate remains far below the ambitious 72% target for 2030.
Arizona's effort to dramatically improve third-grade reading proficiency is showing early signs of progress, but education leaders acknowledge the state remains far from its ambitious 2030 goal.
The AZ Literacy Plan 2030, led by Read On Arizona, aims to raise the state's third-grade reading rate from 39% to 72% by the end of the decade. Currently, about 40% of Arizona third-graders pass the state reading assessment.
"Arizona's in a difficult place. We are nowhere near where we need to be, but we have such opportunity," said Terri Clark, literacy director for Read On Arizona.
One key strategy has been placing literacy coaches in schools across the state. Last year, there were about 24 coaches; that number has grown to nearly 40. The initiative had hoped to deploy 125 coaches statewide.
The program has also focused on increasing the number of educators who hold a K-5 literacy endorsement, which is designed to improve reading instruction. When the plan launched last year, only 12% of educators had the endorsement. That figure is now up to 31%, Clark said.
"A great increase in educators having the skills and training they need to provide high quality literacy instruction," Clark said.
Read On Arizona is working with partner organizations, including the Helios Education Foundation and community businesses, to build on that progress.
"What we bring, however, is an optimistic viewpoint that says we know how we can improve those outcomes. We know and we see models in other states where that has happened," said Paul Luna, CEO and president of the Helios Education Foundation.
The initiative drew inspiration from Mississippi, which has seen significant gains in student literacy. Kristen Wynn with the AIM Institute for Learning and Research helped facilitate a connection between the two states.
"In 2020, there was this, what we call an Arizona-Mississippi exchange. We got together with Terri's organization and we talked about what are the key components of an effective literacy policy," Wynn said.
Assessment results for this year are not yet available, but Clark said she is hopeful based on feedback from schools.
"I often say Arizona needs a Mississippi moment, and I think the next few years could be our moment," Clark said.
The challenge is significant: Arizona would need to nearly double its current reading proficiency rate to meet the 2030 target. With literacy coaches and teacher training expanding, state leaders are betting that sustained investment in evidence-based reading instruction can close the gap.