25% of historically marginalized WA 3rd graders read proficiently. It should be 95%.
The largest percentage of historically marginalized and vulnerable 3rd graders in Washington State are not just below proficiency level for reading, they are in the lowest quartile. Reading proficiency means having the skills necessary to understand and complete grade-level work.
We are raising the alarm about early literacy and core reading instruction. WA State must re-train teachers in the science of reading and help caregivers and parents know how to support their child’s literacy development. 95% of us can become proficient readers if we are taught with research-validated methods known as The Science of Reading.

Data from the Washington State office of the Superintendent for Public Instruction, 2023.