Florida Rep. Byron Donalds stopped in Jacksonville to announce a new education initiative aimed at tackling a major problem in Florida schools: kids struggling to read. His ‘Read to Succeed’ plan promises to get every student reading at grade level by the time they finish third grade.
The Problem
The announcement comes on the heels of rough data for the state’s classrooms. Right now, 44% of Florida fourth graders are not reading at their expected grade level. The statistics also show that students who fail to reach reading proficiency by fourth grade are four times more likely to eventually drop out of school. Overall, Florida ranks 45th in the nation for reading recovery.
‘When children learn to read by third grade, you’ve opened every door ahead of them. When they fall behind, those doors of opportunity are closed,’ Donalds said during the event. ‘Florida is choosing to open doors for every child, in every classroom, in every county.’
The Plan
To fix the problem, the Read to Succeed plan leans on four main ideas. First, it would push Florida’s colleges and universities to train future teachers using programs based strictly on the science of reading. Second, the state would set up early reading indicators for kids in kindergarten through second grade so teachers can catch struggling students before they fall too far behind.
The plan also guarantees extra tutoring for any third grader who needs to get back on track. Finally, it creates a statewide ‘Read to Succeed Award’ to recognize teachers who come up with exceptional or innovative ways to teach literacy.
If elected governor, Donalds said he plans to ask the U.S. Department of Education for Title fund waivers. This would allow Florida to take existing federal money and redirect it toward proven literacy programs. He also wants to offer financial incentives to school districts that demonstrate measurable improvements in reading, and he plans to publicly reward the most-improved districts starting in the 2026–2027 school year.
‘This is not a new mandate,’ Donalds said. ‘This is about empowering parents and teachers with the tools, technology, and tutoring to make sure every child in Florida can Read to Succeed.’
Original reporting: Tampa Free Press — read the source article.
