Tuscaloosa City Schools have once again demonstrated their commitment to literacy, as 90% of third graders met the state benchmark for grade-level reading in 2026. This marks the third consecutive year of high achievement under Alabama’s Literacy Act, which requires students to read at grade level by the end of third grade to avoid being held back.

Continued Success and Improvement

Superintendent Mike Daria highlighted the significant progress made since 2015–16, when only 39% of third graders were reading at grade level. He emphasized the district’s dedication to improving literacy rates, a commitment that is clearly paying off.

Several schools within the district have shown remarkable improvement. Central Elementary increased its proficiency rate from 70% to 80%, while Oakdale Elementary saw a rise from 83% to 90%. Notably, Oakdale’s progress over three years is impressive, with only 46% of its third graders reading at grade level in 2023.

Community and Family Efforts

Deputy Superintendent Dr. James Pope credited the sustained efforts of teachers, administrators, support staff, and families for these achievements. He noted that these results reflect years of intentional work to build strong reading skills among students.

For students who did not initially meet the benchmark, the district has implemented measures to support their progress. Many are either exempt under state guidelines or enrolled in summer learning programs with opportunities to retest.

These achievements underscore the importance of community and family involvement in education, aligning with the values of traditional families and the role of faith in public life. Tuscaloosa’s commitment to literacy not only benefits individual students but also strengthens the community as a whole.

Original reporting: The Tuscaloosa Thread — read the source article.