1,800 Alabama students will repeat third grade under new reading law

An estimated 1,800 students in Alabama will repeat third grade due to low reading scores, as mandated by the 2019 Alabama Literacy Act. This law requires third graders to meet specific reading benchmarks to advance to fourth grade. The implementation of this high-stakes requirement was delayed to allow students and schools to recover from pandemic-related learning losses. Education Superintendent Eric Mackey reported that 1,832 third graders are expected to be retained, although these figures are preliminary and final numbers will be confirmed next month. The law allows for retention in earlier grades to mitigate negative social outcomes, as Mackey emphasized that third grade is a critical point for intervention. While 4,808 students did not meet the required reading scores, fewer students are being retained than initially anticipated. Students had the opportunity to attend summer reading camps and retake the assessment to demonstrate mastery of third-grade reading standards. The law also includes provisions for "good cause" exemptions for promotion to fourth grade.

- Approximately 1,800 Alabama students will repeat third grade due to low reading scores.

- The 2019 Alabama Literacy Act mandates reading benchmarks for promotion to fourth grade.

- Implementation of the law was delayed to help students recover from pandemic-related learning losses.

- Fewer students are being retained than initially feared, with opportunities for summer reading camps.

- The law allows for "good cause" exemptions for students to advance despite not meeting the reading requirements.