Birmingham, AL — Alabama’s Literacy Law is having a clear impact this year, with new data showing how many third graders are being held back after falling short on the state’s reading exam. According to the Alabama State Board of Education, 55,930 third graders took the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) reading test in the spring.
Out of that number, 6,470 students did not score at grade level, and after summer retesting, 4,727 students—about 8.5% statewide—are now repeating third grade. State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey said the higher number is partly due to an increased cut score this year, and he wants to further study why more than 2,400 families did not pursue retesting or summer reading camps for their children.
According to WBRC, district-level data shows significant differences across Alabama. In Birmingham City Schools, 1,699 students took the ACAP reading test, with 1,447 ultimately passing either in spring or summer sessions. After exemptions, 35 students were retained. In Tuscaloosa City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Mike Daria reported that 779 students tested in spring, with 77 initially at risk. After summer support and exemptions, 13 students had to repeat the third grade, representing about 10% who did not meet the higher cut score…