BATON ROUGE, La. (BRPROUD) - K-3 reading proficiency in Louisiana improved slightly this year, according to the Louisiana Department of Education's 2024 Fall Reading Report. The report shows that reading proficiency increased by 2.3% overall compared to Fall 2023. The literacy screener, administered three times annually, provided the data at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year​. By grade level: First graders showed the largest improvement, rising 4 percentage points to a proficiency rate of 49.9%. Second graders improved by 3.8 percentage points to 54.5%. Third graders saw a 2.4 percentage point gain, reaching 54% proficiency​. In contrast, students entering kindergarten saw a 1.1 percentage point decline, with 28.4% testing proficient. However, the report also noted cohort growth, with the 2023 kindergarten class improving by 20.4 percentage points as first graders in 2024​. State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley said, “Louisiana students are benefitting from quality instruction, sound policy, and a return to basic fundamentals like phonics. We’re seeing encouraging growth and must take advantage of this opportunity to continue aligning our state around what we know is best for students and teachers.” Students in third grade must score above the "Well Below" category on the end-of-year literacy screener to be promoted to fourth grade. Students will have up to three opportunities to meet this requirement: the initial screener in April, a retest in May, and a final chance after summer learning​. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, literacy screener results will be incorporated into school performance scores​. Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education re-elects president Latest News Mississippi State transfer quarterback Michael Van Buren Jr. signs with LSU Multiple people injured after Wisconsin school shooting: police Baton Rouge restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Cafe Du Monde reopens after sudden evacuation, roof repairs Trump on NJ drones: Biden admin wants to 'keep people in suspense'