Missouri is in a reading crisis. Forty-two percent of the state’s fourth-graders can barely read, the worst results in twenty years. When students reach third grade without strong reading skills, they fall behind in every subject and many never catch up. Other states have taken steps to reverse declining reading scores, and Missouri can too, but only if state leaders act with the urgency this crisis calls for. Reform cannot wait. Below you’ll find an infographic with key facts, frequently asked questions for policymakers, the full model policy language, a detailed policy brief, as well as contact information for policy experts.

Early Literacy Overview Infographic

 

1. How serious is Missouri’s reading crisis?

Forty-two percent of Missouri fourth graders can barely read according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP).

2. What changes would make the biggest immediate difference?

Three key reforms are needed:
• A universal reading screener
• Third-grade retention for students who do not pass the screener
• The elimination of the three-cueing method in Missouri’s classrooms and teacher preparation programs

3. What is a reading screener?

A screener is a short, research-based test given to students in grades one through three to evaluate their ability to read.

4. Why does Missouri need a universal reading screener?

A universal screener would help Missouri reliably identify struggling readers early, measure progress consistently, and hold all schools to the same expectations. Right now, different schools use different screeners and there is no universal score that counts as passing.

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Early Literacy Policy Brief

Cory Koedel

Director of Education Policy

[email protected]

Avery Frank

Policy Analyst

[email protected]