US Early Literacy Progress Stalls
In the United States, there was no significant year-over-year improvement in reading readiness among students from kindergarten through second grade. According to data released by Amplify, an education assessment and curriculum provider, this marks the first time since the 2020–2021 school year that early literacy indicators have failed to improve annually.
Assessment results from the end of the 2025–2026 academic year showed that 66% of students in kindergarten through second grade were progressing at the expected level in learning to read. The remaining 34% scored below the established benchmark.
The study also assessed students’ ability to read an unfamiliar passage accurately and fluently. The results showed that the oral reading fluency scores of first- and second-grade students lagged behind their overall reading scores. This finding suggests that many students need additional support to read words accurately and at an appropriate pace.
Amplify called on schools to implement multi-tiered systems of support that integrate classroom instruction, early intervention, regular progress monitoring, and teachers’ professional development. It also recommended supporting teachers in applying science-of-reading approaches and ensuring that students receive evidence-based instruction appropriate to their grade level.