Early Alabama reading data shows no significant changes for third grade scores

Alabama’s third grade reading scores remained essentially the same based on test scores presented to State Board of Education members earlier this month.

According to the data, 47,956 (88.3%) third graders who took the Alabama Comprehensive Assessment Program (ACAP) test this spring were at or above the 444 reading cut score. This is a slight decrease from the 2025 data that saw 88.4% of third graders at or above the same cut score.

The cut score is used to determine if students are on or above grade level or not.

Alabama State Schools Superintendent Eric Mackey said during the May 14 meeting students who haven’t met the cut score have dyslexia or are considered to be Tier 3 students who need more reading intervention.

“The research tells us up to 20% (of students across the county) have dyslexia of some sort. So what it tells me is a lot of those students (below the cut score) have dyslexia. So they have a neurological condition that makes it difficult for them to learn to read, but they are learning to read,” Mackey said. But then we’ve got this other group of students that are in Tier 3 instruction, and they’re continuing to have trouble.”

According to the International Dyslexia Association, nearly one in five students across the country have some form of dyslexia.

Messages seeking comment were left with Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville and Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, who both serve as education budget chairs in the Legislature, Thursday.

Mackey also noted at the meeting that the results “may not look this good” next year, after the cut score increases from 444 to 454. The board voted to increase the cut score in October 2024.

Scores for the test have not been broken down by district. Full data for reading and other subjects will be available in the summer.

“Letters are going out to parents (saying if) their students are on or above grade level or they are not and what that means for the summer,” Mackey said.

Students who fall under the cut score can still be promoted to the next grade if retake the test and pass; have portfolio work that showcases grade-level reading or if there is a good-cause exemption made.

Students who do not meet the benchmark are also allowed to go to summer reading programs offered throughout the state to receive extra help in the subject.