Alabama Literacy Act Impact

In 2019, the Alabama legislature passed the Alabama Literacy Act. The Alabama Literacy Act was established to improve the reading proficiency of public school students in grades K-3 and ensure that those students are able to read at or above grade level by the end of the third grade. The law states that all third-grade students should demonstrate sufficient reading skills for promotion to fourth grade, beginning in the 2023-2024 school year.

In accordance with the law, all students in grades K-3 are assessed using the STAR 360 - an Alabama State Department of Education approved reading assessment. Based on the results of the assessment, every student who exhibits a reading deficiency is provided an appropriate reading intervention to address specific needs. In addition, parents of any student who exhibits a consistent deficiency will be notified, an individual reading plan developed as a part of the district's MTSS/RTI process, and parents provided strategies and resources to use at home to help the student succeed in reading. 

Additional Information

Alabama Literacy Act FAQs
Alabama Literacy Act 2019-523
Alabama Family Guide for Student Reading Success 
Alabama Literacy Act Presentation (in Spanish)

For more information, contact Holly McNider, Director of Elementary Curriculum & Instructional Services.