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ALSDE Update
HERE WE GROW AGAIN...
Alabama Raises Reading Cut Scores to Meet Student Potential
Dr. Eric Mackey, Alabama State Superintendent of Education
One thing most educators can agree on is the idea that reading is the cornerstone to all other learning. This is of course why the early, foundational aspects of reading are so important. When students get to kindergarten / 1st grade as 5-6 year-olds, they are learning to read. Once the foundation is established, students shift from learning to read to reading to learn. The focus shifts from the basics of phonemic awareness to content comprehension. This is why it is so important that Alabama students have a firm grasp on the fundamentals of reading.
Alabama is taking steps to create better outcomes for our students in a variety of ways – especially in foundational areas like reading. The improvements we are already beginning to see reflect the Alabama State Board of Education’s unwavering commitment to raise academic standards and support our educators in their essential work. With the vision of the State Board and the work of education professionals across the state, we are driving initiatives that have already begun transforming the future for Alabama’s young learners – and it’s your dedication that makes these advances possible.
Initiative put into place last year are showing academic achievements already, resulting in a substantial increase in third grade reading scores. This progress is no accident – it’s the result of a focused, long-term commitment to literacy. In 2019, over 20% of Alabama’s third graders scored below grade level. Today, that number is down to 6.5%, and I believe that, together, we can continue this positive trend. This year, we made the strategic decision to raise the minimum passing score from 435 to 444 points, a measure I believe will help us achieve even greater results. Over the next two years, we will maintain this benchmark, giving our schools and educators the stability and time to implement effective teaching strategies and resources.
Understandably, some wonder if this increase might be too ambitious. Yet, I am confident that our teachers are more than prepared for the challenge. They’ve already demonstrated remarkable resilience. Our early childhood and elementary teachers are also completing advanced literacy training through programs like LETRS, which has been a game-changer in strengthening reading instruction.
For those who worry about students falling behind, of course that is a legitimate concern. However, rest assured we’ve put several safeguards in place. Families whose children score below the threshold can explore additional pathways for progression, including summer reading camps, portfolio assessments, and other exemptions for special cases. Our commitment is to support every student while maintaining rigorous standards that reflect their true potential.
We have made substantial strides in providing resources and training to meet these new challenges. Every K-3 school now has a dedicated reading coach, which is a huge leap forward. These coaches undergo specialized certification to be effective mentors, and they’re instrumental in bringing evidence-based literacy methods into classrooms. With additional resources like updated curricula, summer reading programs, and regional state-level coaches, we’re ensuring that every teacher has the tools they need to help students succeed.
I’m inspired by the tremendous progress we’re seeing across the state, especially in communities where we’ve traditionally faced more significant hurdles. We saw over a dozen districts gain more than 20 points in reading proficiency, with some of the strongest growth in high-minority, high-poverty areas. These successes prove that, with the right support and resources, our students in every part of Alabama can reach—and even exceed—expectations.
Moving to high school, we’ve also seen a notable increase in ACT participation, with more than 12,000 students taking the test—a 15% rise from last year. This growth shows a genuine interest among our young people in pursuing higher education and bettering their futures. While the ACT is required for all juniors, many students choose to retake the test in hopes of improving their scores, especially for scholarship opportunities. Their determination to succeed speaks volumes about the drive of our students.
We’ve worked closely with local schools to make the ACT more accessible. We understand that for some students, just getting to a test site on a Saturday can be challenging. That’s why we’ve introduced solutions like weekend testing, free transportation to testing centers, and grants through our College and Career Readiness Grant Program.
I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to our high school counselors who tirelessly support students in everything from study preparation to understanding test importance. Their efforts ensure that our students are not only ready, but also motivated to pursue their best scores.
Whether we’re talking about the little students or the big ones, our goal remains clear: we want every student to succeed! I am inspired every day by the dedication of Alabama’s educators. You are the heart and soul of this movement toward excellence. Together, we’re giving every Alabama student the opportunity to rise, read, and succeed.
