About 23% of third graders, or nearly 12,000 students, scored below the required reading level last spring. But fewer than 3% were ultimately held back, according to newly provided state data.

CASD's plan combines professional development, revamped instructional models, and tools to help more students ready by end of third grade.

Arkansas students entering the third grade at public schools and open enrollment charter schools this fall will be the first cohort to be retained if they don’t meet literacy expectations, a policy ...

While the Michigan Department of Education leaders praised improvements made by students in some grades in reading and math on the state test, the state's third graders continued to slide in reading ...

A third grade reading and retention law took effect for Tennessee public school children in 2023. Students must meet a state reading benchmark or take extra steps to avoid being held back. Three full ...

An early literacy bill includes several strategies designed to boost reading skills in K-3 students — including retention.

Indiana third graders’ reading proficiency improved at a record-breaking rate in 2025, putting students’ scores on par with pre-pandemic levels. Statewide, 87.3% of third graders scored proficient on ...

The first major moment in a child’s schooling — what many educators call the "make-or-break" year for literacy — is third grade. By the end of third grade, students are expected to transition from ...