The Louisiana Department of Education is launching a new campaign to boost the state’s shockingly poor levels of literacy amongst young students.
Right now only half of third-graders are reading on or above their grade level. Superintendent Cade Brumley said that number has been declining for several years in a row.
“We just need to refocus our attention back on this basic skill of reading and provide it the attention that is deserves so that our children can be ready and successful,” said Brumley who added only 40 percent of kindergarteners read at their grade level.
Furthermore, Brumley said it’s very concerning that by the end of 3rd grade only 46 percent of students have achieved mastery of their English Language Arts studies given that those who have not achieved mastery by then are three to four times more likely than their peers to drop out.
To do that the state is launching a new series of training programs for teachers and administrative staff in elementary and middle grades. Brumley said part of that is a school system literacy roadmap.
“We are going to be providing teacher training opportunities, professional development, even stuff as simple as making sure that kids have books in their hands, that they have access to books,” said Brumley.
Schools and families can now access resources on early literacy and foundational skills on the state department of education’s website.
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