OPINION — Across the country, educators continue to grapple with a literacy crisis that began before the pandemic and has only become more pronounced in its wake. In Arizona, just 36% of third graders met proficiency on the state’s English Language Arts assessment in 2025, according to data from the Arizona Department of Education.
While these numbers are concerning, they should also serve as a reminder that literacy outcomes aren’t inevitable. Schools have an opportunity and a responsibility to identify readers who are struggling early and respond with evidence-based instruction before students fall further behind.
Third grade is a critical milestone
