What’s the Deal with Literacy in Louisiana Schools? BY VICTORIA MIKOTA PHOTO BY FREEPIK.COM
T he ability to read and write is is a widespread problem. According to the Louisiana Department of Education’s 2023 Fall Reading Report, 70.5 percent of Kindergarten students were below reading level, and 55 percent of children in grades K-3 were below reading level. In a state with a literacy rate of 72.9 percent, these findings are problematic and raise a lot of concern for the state of education in Louisiana. In recent years, Louisiana has made significant strides in improving literacy across its schools, focusing on early education and implementing comprehensive strategies to address literacy challenges. The state’s approach encompasses legislative actions, target interventions, and the engagement of educators and parents to enhance reading skills among students, particularly those in early grades. COVID-19 AND LITERACY GAPS The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on literacy development, particularly for students in the early grades. Data indicates that children who were three and four years old during something that most people take for granted, but in Louisiana, illiteracy
the height of the pandemic experienced significant disruptions in early language development due to reduced access to early care, less interaction with peers, and limited exposure to enriching environments. As a result, second and third graders, who were particularly affected, have shown slower progress in literacy compared to younger students who were less impacted. LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES IN ACTION Since 2021, the legislature has passed many laws concerning literacy education. Louisiana state officials and policymakers have worked to increase literacy support throughout the state through these acts: Act 108 Regular Legislative Session requires early literacy training for K-3 teachers of reading, math, science, and/or social studies, including special education teachers, and principals and assistant principals of schools that include grades K-3. Act 438 of the 2021 Regular Legislative Session requires coursework in teacher preparation programs specific to the
teaching of reading and literacy. Act 448 of the 2022 Regular Legislative Session requires kindergarten through third-grade teachers seeking initial licensure to pass an examination of the teaching of reading that is scientifically researched and evidence-based. One of the most impactful legislative measures has been the introduction of mandatory Science of Reading (SOR) training for kindergarten through third- grade teachers and school leaders. The Science of Reading is an evidence-based approach that emphasizes phonics and systematic instruction in decoding words. Prior to this legislation, Louisiana educators employed various, sometimes inconsistent, methodologies to teach reading, leading to uneven outcomes. The 2021 legislation mandated SOR training, ensuring that teachers across the state are equipped with a unified and research- backed strategy to improve literacy. Dr. Jenna Chiasson, Assistant State Superintendent of the Louisiana Board of Education, states, “We’re really showing some signs of incremental progress with literacy, especially in our lowest grade levels.” She believes that one of the biggest
40 SEPTEMBER2024 | BRPARENTS.COM
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